cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Static scheduling for synthesis of DSP algorithms on various models

Given a behavioral description of a DSP algorithm represented by a data-flow graph, we show how to obtain a rate-optimal static schedule with the minimum unfolding factor under two models, integral grid model and fractional grid model, and two kinds of implementations for each model, pipelined implementation and non-pipelined implementation. We present a simple and unified approach to deal with the four possible combinations. A unified polynomial-time scheduling algorithm is presented, which works on the original data-flow graphs without really unfolding. The values of the minimum rate-optimal unfolding factors and the general properties for all the four combinations are proved.
Paucity of Novel Short Interspersed Repetitive Element (SINE) Families in Human DNA and Isolation of a Novel MER Repeat

An extensive compilation of renaturation rate data for human DNA is presented as an empirical guide for genomic hybridization studies and to document as accurately as possible the repetitive sequence content of the human genome. Approximately 15% of the genome renatures with heterogeneous rates characteristic of moderately repetitive sequences. Cross hybridization studies of this fraction with known repetitive sequences show that it is largely composed of known moderately repetitive sequences and contaminating highly repetitive sequences. These findings limit the maximum possible abundance of unidentified families of short interspersed elements (SINEs) in human DNA. Exhaustive analysis by subtractive hybridization of a small library constructed from short fragments of repetitive sequences yields few additional new SINEs, again suggesting the limited abundance of such sequences.
Criteria for random degradation of linear polymers

Various criteria for random degradation of linear polymers were evaluated. Some preference is given for a criterion that compares the relative decreases in weight- and number-average molecular weights with those expected from theory because it utilizes the maximum information available and essentially includes the other useful criteria. Several examples of data from the literature were examined in this way.
Temperature Dependence of Vibrational Energy Transfer in a Protein Molecule

The anharmonic dynamics of a protein molecule was studied by molecular dynamics simulations of the intramolecular vibrational energy transfer in myoglobin. A small excess kinetic energy was added to a specified normal mode, and the process of the energy transfer to other modes was observed. It was found that the vibrational energy was transferred by two distinct mechanisms depending on temperature. Near zero temperature, the vibrational energy is transferred as a process of the Fermi resonance mostly through the third-order coupling terms from one mode to only a limited number of modes, satisfying the resonance condition. As the temperature increases, the resonance-type transfer is dominated by the off-resonance energy transfer through various mode-coupling terms. Near room temperature, the energy transfer involves higher-order coupling terms and indirect processes through intermediate modes in addition to the transfers through the lower-order couplings. In the short-time limit immediately after starting ...
CHEMICAL APPLICATIONS OF TOPOLOGY AND GROUP THEORY. XXI: CHIRALITY IN TRANSITIVE SKELETONS AND QUALITATIVE COMPLETENESS ( 1 )

This paper unifies the following ideas for the study of chirality polynomials in transitive skeletons: (1) Generalization of chirality to permutation groups not corresponding to three-dimensional symmetry point groups leading to the concepts of signed permutation groups and their signed subgroups; (2) Determination of the total dimension of the chiral ligand partitions through the Frobenius reciprocity theorem; (3) Determination of signed permutation groups, not necessarily corresponding to three-dimensional point groups, of which a given ligand partition is a maximum symmetry chiral ligand partition by the Ruch-Schonhofer partial ordering, thereby allowing the determination of corresponding chirality polynomials depending only upon differences between ligand parameters; such permutation groups having the point group as a signed subgroup relate to qualitative completeness. In the case of transitive permutation groups on four sites, the tetrahedron and polarized square each have only one chiral ligand partition, but the allene and polarized rectangle skeletons each have two chiral ligand partitions related to their being signed subgroups of the tetrahedron and polarized square, respectively. The single transitive permutation group on five sites, the polarized pentagon, has a degenerate chiral ligand partition related to its being a signed subgroup of a metacyclic group with 20 elements. The octahedron has two chiral ligand partitions, both of degree six; a qualitatively complete chirality polynomial is therefore homogeneous of degree six. The cyclopropane (or trigonal prism or trigonal antiprism) skeleton is a signed subgroup of both the octahedron and a twist group of order 36; two of its six chiral ligand partitions come from the octahedron and two more from the twist group. The polarized hexagon is a signed subgroup of the same twist group but not of the octahedron and thus has a different set of six chiral ligand partitions than the cyclopropane skeleton. Two of its six chiral ligand partitions come from the above twist group of order 36 and two more from a signed permutation group of order 48 derived from the P3[P 2] wreath product group with a different assignment of positive and negative operations than the octahedron.
Should Calculus Be a Requirement for Intermediate Macro

Many of the top liberal arts programs require calculus for intermediate macro. That’s a stupid idea. Understanding calculus is not necessary for understanding the ideas that we should be teaching in intermediate macro, and if the ideas that are being taught require calculus, something is wrong with the course.
Thiocolchicinethiones: Acid Hydrolysis of Natural and Iso-Isomers

Abstract Thioketone 6 was prepared by thiation of isothiocolchicine (3) with Lawesson's reagent. Acid hydrolysis of 9-thiodeoxothiocolchicine (5) and the iso-isomer 6 afforded, in both cases, a similar mixture of deacetylthiocolchicine 2 and deacetylisothiocolchicine 4. Acetylation of 4 afforded isothiocolchicine (3).
Cellular Mechanism of the Antigonadotropic Action of Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone in the Corpus Luteum

In incubations of rat luteal cells, LHRH or an agonistic analog (D-Trp6)LHRH showed a dose-response inhibition of LH-stimulated cAMP accumulation and progesterone secretion. The dose of LHRH estimated to produce 50% inhibition of LH-dependent cAMP accumulation was 3 × 10-7 M, and the LHRH dose estimated to inhibit progesterone secretion by 50% was 8 × 10-6 M. (D-Trp6)LHRH was 4- and 40-fold more potent than LHRH on LH-dependent cAMP accumulation and progesterone secretion, respectively. Although LHRH (8 × 10-6 M) inhibited LH-stimulated cAMP accumulation at 100 and 1000 ng/ml LH, inhibition of progesterone secretion by LHRH was evident at 100 ng/ml, but not at 1000 ng/ml LH. Thus, high levels of gonadotropin may overide the inhibitory effect of LHRH on progesterone secretion. LHRH did not inhibit the stimulation of progesterone secretion induced by dibutyryl cAMP or a combination of dibutyryl cAMP and LH (100 ng/ ml). However, LHRH inhibited LH-dependent cAMP accumulation in both the absence and presence ...
Osteomyelitis of the pubic symphysis in athletes: a case report and literature review.

Groin pain is a common problem in athletes. Osteitis pubis, a chronic inflammatory condition involving the pubic symphysis, is a rare cause, and pyogenic osteomyelitis of the pubis is seen even more rarely in healthy athletes. We report one of four cases of pyogenic osteomyelitis of the pubis seen at our institution, review our experience with all four cases, and present a review of the literature (7 cases). The diagnosis is established by the presence of extreme pain, point tenderness at the pubic symphysis, fever, and either a positive culture of blood, needle aspiration, or open biopsy of the pubis. White blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and the results of bone scan and computerized tomography may initially be normal and therefore cannot exclude the diagnosis. Prompt treatment with intravenous (i.v.) antibiotics effective against Staphylococcus aureus (causative organism in all documented cases-9/11) should initially be administered and then guided by culture and sensitivity information. Oral antibiotics should be given if the infection is responsive to i.v. antibiotic treatment. Prompt recognition and treatment with antibiotics may obviate the need for surgical debridement. All athletes who returned to sports activity did so by 6 months after diagnosis.
Impairment of the oxygen-dependent microbicidal mechanisms of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in patients with type 2 diabetes is not associated with increased susceptibility to infection

Abstract Phagocytosis, bactericidal capacity and some selected parameters of oxygen-dependent bactericidal mechanisms were evaluated in 20 patients with type 2 diabetes being in similar (intermediate) state of metabolic control and in 15 healthy individuals. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) from diabetics showed normal ability to phagocytose staphylococci, a decreased Intracellular bacteria killing, the impaired stimulated superoxide anion (O 2 − ) and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) production and the low intracellular myeloperoxidase activity. The obtained data seem to indicate that the decreased bacterial killing by PMNs isolated from diabetics are partly at least related to an impairment of the oxygen-dependent bactericidal mechanisms. Since none of the diabetic patients suffered from recurrent infection the clinical significance of our finding is still uncertain.
Transplacental effects of diethylstilbestrol on the genital tract of hamster offspring

Summary The effect of diethylstilbestrol (DES) was investigated in Syrian golden hamster progeny exposed during the terminal stages of gestation. Eleven pregnant hamsters were treated with 40 or 20 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) of DES. This treatment led to hyperplastic and neoplastic lesions in the reproductive system of most female progeny and was associated with continuous estrogenic stimulation. Seventy per cent of the male progeny developed spermatic granulomas of the epididymis and testis. The incidence and severity of these lesions were proportional to the dose of DES.
A model-predictive controller for grain drying

Crossflow grain drying is a non-linear process with a long delay; it is difficult to control. A model-predictive control system for crossflow dryers is presented. Simulation tests on a virtual dryer showed that the controller performed well over a wide range of drying conditions. It was tested on a commercial crossflow corn dryer and showed excellent accuracy and stability.
Real Time SMS-Based hashing scheme for securing financial transactions on ATM systems

One noticeable dividend of the adoption and use of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) by Nigerian banks dating back to the early 1990s is the ease of access to cash by bank customers. However, incidences of ATM frauds has emerged as a limiting factor resulting in a decline adoption for transacting banking businesses. Fraudsters now employ different means to hunt for user's Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) in order to defraud unsuspecting customers. Existing measures adopted by financial institutions require ATM card holders to optionally subscribe to financial transactions message alerts through Short Message Services (SMS) (debit and credit transactions) and the use of posters pasted in banking halls to warn customers on the need to protect PIN numbers from unauthorized users. These measures are purely informative and do not adequately deal with the problems in real time. In this paper, we introduce a Real Time Instructive SMS-Based scheme called MophTem scheme which compels all customers to subscribe to SMS alerts as a basis for initiating transactions on their account. The bank generates a hash code using the customer PIN number and phone number. The generated hash key is then used to decrypt messages requesting for transactions from the customer. The intention is to provide additional security layer and fortify existing PIN access thus safeguarding customer accounts and account information
Hurthle cell carcinoma presenting as a single choroid plexus metastasis

Abstract Choroid plexus masses represent approximately 0.3–0.8% of intracranial tumors. Herein we present, to our knowledge, the first reported patient with an isolated Hurthle cell papillary thyroid carcinoma metastasis to the choroid plexus of the lateral ventricle. Unresponsive to iodine ablation and refusing surgery, the patient underwent Gamma Knife radiosurgery (Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden), receiving 15 Gy to the 50% isodose line. The lesion regressed until 5 years later at which time it was unresponsive to 18 Gy and required surgical resection. Although extraneural metastatic cancers are recognized as potential sources for the single choroid plexus mass, we must consider even the unusual culprit in patients with a history of cancer.
Patient positioning for protontherapy using a proton range telescope

Abstract A method is described for imaging integrated density along the beam path in phantoms that makes use of high energy proton beams. An application of the technique is in the positioning of patients in a proton therapy radiation facility. It makes use of a proton range telescope for density variation and X - Y detectors for planar positioning. The principle of the method was tested at a proton energy of 66 MeV. Good visual quality is seen in the tests. The measurements are compared with detailed Monte Carlo simulations, and good agreement is found. We apply the simulations to high energy proton beams (245 MeV) and show that the method should provide good visual quality and sensitivity for positioning at the higher energies necessary for whole body therapy.
Extension of the square-gradient theory to fourth order

Abstract In the square-gradient theory, the Helmholtz free energy density of a nonuniform fluid is approximated by that of a uniform fluid plus a term proportional to the square of the density gradient. Presented here is the extension of this theory (and the corresponding theory of the chemical potential) to fourth order in the gradients. The new results can be applied to study the pair correlation function and interfacial density profile in a fluid near its critical point.
Manipulatives: when are they useful?

Abstract This article examines the usefulness of manipulatives in light of Piaget's theory of how children acquire logicomathematical knowledge. It argues that since children construct logicomathematical knowledge through their own thinking, manipulatives are desirable when they encourage children to think (i.e., to make relationships through constructive abstraction) in problem solving. A specific object can therefore be beneficial if used in certain ways but not in others. The same object can also be useful at a certain time in the child's development but not at others. We conclude by pointing out that mathematical relationships do not exist in objects and that children do not acquire these relationships through empirical abstraction from objects.
Manufacturing technology program to develop a production ion implantation facility for processing bearings and tools

Abstract A manufacturing technology project to expedite the development and transfer of ion implantation of metals to industrial practice is described. The objective of this project is to develop a prototype production facility to implant several types of aircraft and instrument bearings, and stamping and forming tools to increase their resistance to corrosion and wear and, therefore, increase their lifetime. Research conducted in support of this project to investigate several important design issues is described including beam heating, sputtering at non-normal angles of incidence, calculation of concentration profiles and effect of residual pressure in the vacuum chamber. A major conclusion is that beam heating imposes severe constraints on the beam current density and a high throughput facility requires a diffuse beam and a batch processing mode of operation. Initial estimates of cost savings for several components are presented and are shown to be very favorable.
Malassezia furfur fungemia in a patient without the usual risk factors.

Excerpt Malassezia furfuris a lipophilic yeast that causes the superficial skin mycosis, tinea versicolor. Only recently hasM. furfurbeen recognized as a cause of deep-tissue infections. Twenty-fiv...
Development of Double Edge Notched Tension (DENT) Test for Asphalt Binders

This paper presents the experimental details of performing double edge notched tension (DENT) fracture tests on asphalt binders. The testing is performed using an existing direct tension (DT) test device and modificed molds for preparing the test specimens. The fracture toughness values obtained from DENT tests perfomed on nine different asphalt binders are in the reasonable agreement with the values published by other researchers. Further evaluation of the DENT and DT test results indicate that both produce similar trends in terms of failure strains. The KIC DENT results, however, have better repeatability compared to the DT results. The use of DENT test results to determine the critical cracking temperature in M 320-05 (former MP1a) AASHTO specification is discussed.
A reassessment of the significance of dark neurons in serotonergic cell groups

Abstract Mature, Sprague-Dawley and Holtzman rats were injected intraperitoneally with varying doses of fenfluramine (1.0–31.6mg/kg), reserpine (5mg/kg), methamphetamine (10mg/kg) and p -chloroamphetamine (10 mg/kg). Midbrain sections were studied using two different histologie techniques. Hyperchromatic and argyrophilic (dark) neurons were seen in all treated animals as well as in salinetreated controls. These changes were seen less frequently in frozen sections and were not associated with neuronal loss or with glial reaction except in a few rats treated with p -chloroamphetamine. This supports the current concept that dark neurons are artifacts and are not indicative of pathologic change.
A potential basis for suppressed inflammatory cell function in pediatric cholestatic hosts

Infective mortality is common in children who have hepatic failure. We have demonstrated that experimental hepatic failure (EHF) profoundly suppresses T cell function in vivo. To determine the basis for immune suppression in EHF we postulated that this phenomenon is attributable to alterations in accessory macrophage (Ma) function, T cell subsets, interleukin-2 (IL-2) production, or serum inhibition. Wistar Furth rats (200 g) were randomized to EHF (n = 23), Sham (n = 23), and normal control (NC) (n = 23) groups. On day 21, splenocytes and sera were harvested and immune assays performed in vitro. Following are the results (mean +/- SEM; Student's t test). Serum bilirubin was elevated in EHF versus Sham and NC groups (P less than .01). EHF splenic macrophages suppressed PHA when added to microcultures at 10(5) concentration (-140 +/- 550 v 12,263 +/- 2,492 [Sham] and 21,413 +/- 1,702 [NC] P less than .01). This effect was not evident when macrophages were added back to microcultures at 10(3) and 10(4) concentrations, suggesting a dose-dependent inhibitory effect. T helper: suppressor ratios did not differ in EHF (1.3 +/- 0.2) compared with Sham (1.4 +/- 0.2) and NC groups (1.2 +/- 0.1). IL-2 production was similar in EHF, Sham, and NC animals (112,141 +/- 5,232 versus 106,691 +/- 1,419 and 120,759 +/- 3,249 counts per minute). T cell inhibitory activity was not demonstrable in EHF sera. These data show that splenic macrophages can inhibit T cell function in vitro. This phenomenon may be paramount in predisposing children with liver disease to infection.
The Wave of the Future in High Density PC Converters

Recent advances in packaging and silicon design allow the design engineer to implement DC-DC converter designs breaking the current records in power density (Watt/inch^2) and current density (Amp/inch^2). We will discuss in details a recent design that boasts 400 Watt/inch2 on standard 6-8 layer boards (see figure 1). This approach allows the design engineer to fully optimize both the electrical and PCB design as all the parasitic inductances and resistances are almost fully eliminated allowing high frequency high efficiency performance
Operationalizing the opportunistic behavior in model formulation

Abstract A review of the literature in model formulation reveals varying approaches. These approaches can be classified under efforts related to design and planning. A quasi-experiment was conducted using the think-aloud approach to study the process of model formulation as undertaken by expert modelers. Model in the present context refers to a structure which is built purposely to exhibit features and characteristics of certain scenarios. Model formulation then is the human problem solving activity focused on the process of constructing models. The domain of interest was managerial problem solving, in particular, problems from the areas of Auditing, Forecasting and Production Planning were studied. An evaluation of the verbalizations by the experts reveals the predominant use of opportunism in the process. Opportunism is one approach to problem solving where the modeler follows the most promising leads at any point in time. A cognitive model was used to categorize and understand the expert protocols as derived from the verbalizations. A comparison of the verbalizations using this model shows similarity in the process of formulation. The cognitive model is operationalized using a blackboard architecture.
Issues in measure-preserving three dimensional flow integrators: Self-adjointness, reversibility, and non-uniform time stepping

Properties of integration schemes for solenoidal fields in three dimensions are studied, with a focus on integrating magnetic field lines in a plasma using adaptive time stepping. It is shown that implicit midpoint (IM) and a scheme we call three-dimensional leapfrog (LF) can do a good job (in the sense of preserving KAM tori) of integrating fields that are reversible, or (for LF) have a “special divergence-free” (SDF) property. We review the notion of a self-adjoint scheme, showing that such schemes are at least second order accurate and can always be formed by composing an arbitrary scheme with its adjoint. We also review the concept of reversibility, showing that a reversible but not exactly volume-preserving scheme can lead to a fractal invariant measure in a chaotic region, although this property may not often be observable. We also show numerical results indicating that the IM and LF schemes can fail to preserve KAM tori when the reversibility property (and the SDF property for LF) of the field is b...
Monte Carlo calculations for absolute dosimetry to determine machine outputs for proton therapy fields

The prescribed dose in radiation therapy has to be converted into machine monitor units for patient treatment. This is done routinely for each spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) field either by calibration measurements, by using analytical algorithms or by relying on empirical data. At the Northeast Proton Therapy Center, a monitor unit corresponds to a fixed amount of charge collected in a segmented transmission ionization chamber inside the treatment head. The goal of this work was to use a detailed Monte Carlo model of the treatment head to calculate the dose delivered to the patient as a function of ionization chamber reading, i.e. to yield absolute dose in patients in terms of machine monitor units. The results show excellent agreement with measurements. For 50 SOBP fields considered in this study, the mean absolute difference between the experimental and the calculated value is 1.5%, where ~50% of the fields agree within 1%. This is within the uncertainties of the data. The Monte Carlo method has advantages over analytical algorithms because it takes into account scattered and secondary radiation, does not rely on empirical parameters, and provides a tool to study the influence of parts of the treatment head on the ionization chamber reading. Compared to experimental methods the Monte Carlo method has the advantage of being able to verify the dose in the patient geometry.
Detroit Futures: Can the City Be Reimagined?:

Many Detroit business and political leaders, as well as many ordinary citizens, believe that the city can be restored to vitality. At least four visions of the future city animate their efforts: th...
Protecting Vulnerable Research Subjects in Critical Care Trials: Enhancing the Informed Consent Process and Recommendations for Safeguards

Although critically ill patients represent a vulnerable group of individuals, guidelines in research ethics assert that ethically acceptable research may proceed with such vulnerable subjects if additional safeguards are in place to minimize the risk of harm and exploitation. Such safeguards include the proper obtainment of informed consent that avoids the presence of the therapeutic misconception and the assessment of decisional capacity in critically ill patients recruited for research. Also discussed in this review are additional safeguards for such vulnerable subjects, as well as the issues involved with proxy consent. Heightened awareness to principles of ethics and provision of additional safeguards to enhance protections of vulnerable subjects would help to maintain the public trust in the research endeavor.
Mobile WiMAX systems: performance and evolution

Mobile WiMAX was successfully adopted by ITU as one of the IMT-2000 technologies in November 2007. Since then mobile WiMAX (a.k.a. IP-OFDMA) has officially become a major global cellular wireless standard along with 3GPP UMTS/HSPA and 3GPP2 CDMA/ EVDO. Mobile WiMAX is an OFDM-based technology available for deployment today, and new WIMAX devices come to market at much reduced cost than that of current 3G solutions. Currently over 260 service providers are deploying fixed, portable and mobile WiMAX networks in 110 countries. This article provides an overview of the mobile WiMAX system and its performance under various configurations, channel conditions, and types of data traffic. Furthermore, the article provides an overview of mobile WiMAX evolution.
Core temperature variation is associated with heart rate variability independent of cardiac index: A study of 278 trauma patients☆

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine if temperature extremes are associated with reduced heart rate variability (HRV) and “cardiac uncoupling.” Materials and Methods This was a retrospective, observational cohort study performed on 278 trauma intensive care unit admissions that had continuous HR, cardiac index (CI), and core temperature data from “thermodilution” Swan-Ganz catheter. Dense (captured second-by-second) physiologic data were divided into 5-minute intervals (N = 136 133; 11 344 hours of data). Mean CI, mean temperature, and integer HR SD were computed for each interval. Critically low HRV was defined as HR SD from 0.3 to 0.6 beats per minute. Temperature extremes were defined as less than 36°C or greater than 39°C. Results Low HRV and CI vary with temperature. Temperature extremes are associated with increased risk for critically low HRV (odds ratio, >1.8). Cardiac index increases with temperature until hyperthermia (>40°C). At temperature extremes, changes in CI were not explained solely by changes in HR. Conclusions The conclusions of this study are (1) temperature extremes are associated with low HRV, potentially reflecting cardiac autonomic dysfunction; (2) CI increases with temperature; and (3) HRV provides additional physiologic information unobtainable via current invasive cardiac monitoring and current vital signs.
Infusing Oral Health Care into Nursing Curriculum: Addressing Preventive Health in Aging and Disability

Access to oral health care is essential for promoting and maintaining overall health and well-being, yet oral health disparities exist among vulnerable and underserved populations. While nurses make up the largest portion of the health care work force, educational preparation to address oral health needs of elders and persons with disabilities is limited across nursing curricula. This descriptive study reports on the interdisciplinary development, implementation, and testing of an oral health module that was included and infused into a graduate nursing curriculum in a three-phase plan. Phase 1 includes evaluation of a lecture presented to eight gerontological nurse practitioner (GNP) students. Phase 2 includes evaluation of GNP students' perceptions of learning, skills, and confidence following a one-time 8-hour practicum infused into 80 required practicum hours. The evaluation data show promise in preparing nurse practitioner students to assess and address preventive oral health needs of persons aging with disabilities such that further infusion and inclusion in a course for nurse practitioners across five specialties will implemented and tested in Phase 3.
There's plenty of room at the bottom [data storage]

The problem of manipulating and controlling things on a small scale is discussed. The question of how to write the entire 24 volumes of the Encyclopaedia Britannica on the head of a pin is examined. The question of how to read it is also discussed, focusing on the need to make the electron microscope more powerful. Other aspects of miniaturization and of making things on a small scale are discussed, including miniaturizing the computer, miniaturization by evaporation, problems of lubrication, and rearranging atoms. >
Hormones and Antibiotics in Nature: A Laboratory Module Designed to Broaden Undergraduate Perspectives on Typically Human-Centered Topics †

Bringing discovery-based research into undergraduate laboratory courses increases student motivation and learning gains over traditional exercises that merely teach technique or demonstrate well-documented phenomena. Laboratory experiences are further enhanced when they are designed to challenge student perspectives on topics relevant to their lives. To this end, a laboratory module on antibiotics and hormones, which are generally discussed in the context of human health, was developed for students to explore the multifaceted roles of antibiotics and hormones in nature (e.g. interspecies communication) via reading primary scientific literature and performing discovery-based experiments. The main objective of this module was to increase the general biological literacy of students as determined by their ability to connect the Five Core Concepts of Biological Literacy (American Association for the Advancement of Science, Vision and Change in Undergraduate Education: A Call to Action, 2011) to the topics “hormones” and “antibiotics” in pre- and postmodule surveys. After discussing unpublished research findings, cell biology students performed experiments demonstrating that: 1) fungi may promote fern growth via hormone production, 2) novel bacterial isolates in the genus Streptomyces produce antifungal compounds, and 3) subinhibitory antibiotic concentrations may enhance soil bacterial growth. The third finding provided evidence supporting a hypothesis framed in a scientific article that students read and discussed. Student perspectives on premodule surveys focused on roles of hormones and antibiotics in the human body (e.g. development, fighting infection), but their broadened postmodule perspectives encompassed the roles of these molecules in organismal communication and possibly the evolution of multicellularity.
Fine-scale patterns of odor encounter by the antennules of mantis shrimp tracking turbulent plumes in wave-affected and unidirectional flow

Many marine animals track odor plumes to their source. Although studies of plume-tracking behavior have been performed in unidirectional flow, benthic animals such as crustaceans live in coastal habitats characterized by waves. We compared signal encounters by odor-plume-tracking stomatopods (mantis shrimp) in wave-affected and unidirectional flow in a flume. Stomatopods are small enough that we can study their natural behavior in a flume. They sample odors by flicking their antennules. A thin sheet of laser light illuminating an odor plume labeled with dye [planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) technique] permitted us to measure the instantaneous odor concentration encountered by the animal's chemosensory organs (antennules) while it tracked the plume. We simultaneously measured behavior and the high-resolution odor signal at the spatial and temporal scale of the animal. We found that the navigating animal encountered odor filaments more often in wave-affected flow than in unidirectional flow. Odor filaments along the animals' antennules were significantly wider and of higher concentration in waves than in unidirectional flow.
Using LIDAR Surface Deformation Mapping to Constrain Earthquake Magnitudes on the Seattle Fault in Washington State, USA

Airborne laser swath mapping (ALSM) conducted by the Puget Sound LIDAR Consortium reveals uplift, folding, and faulting associated with earthquakes on the Seattle fault zone (SFZ) in Washington State, USA. The SFZ is a 5-to 7-km-wide, east-west trending zone of south-dipping thrust faults, north-dipping backthrust faults, and folds that runs through the Seattle urban area. Marine terraces along the shoreline of the Puget Sound, visible in ALSM images, record uplift of a wave-cut platform about A.D. 900 during a large earthquake on the SFZ. Bald Earth digital elevation models (DEMs) with a 1.8-meter grid spacing document spatial patterns of terrace uplift, as measured from the elevation of shoreline angles at the landward edge of the uplifted platform. Shoreline angles were identified using profiles and slope images interactively generated from the DEMs. The bald Earth DEMs were produced by applying a virtual deforestation, despike filtering algorithm to point clouds of laser data acquired by the TerraPoint ALTMS instrument, a small-footprint, discrete-return system that records up to four returns per laser pulse. A data density of ~1 pulse per square meter was acquired using 50% sidelap between adjacent swaths. The elevations of the uplifted terraces provide a clear picture of earthquake deformation. On the east side of Puget Sound, marine terraces define a 5-km-wide, north-vergent geologic anticline with planar limbs. The fold amplitude is 6 meters, and the limbs dip more steeply north (0.25deg) than south (0.10deg). The fold hinge is located above the frontal thrust fault of the SFZ. Near Bainbridge Island, the anticline hinge is locally modified by backthrust faults producing a tightened, south-vergent fold with amplitude as large as 8 m. Terrace deformation patterns suggest that slip on the frontal thrust during the A.D. 900 earthquake produced the anticlinal folding and that lesser slip occurred at that time, or more recently, on structurally higher thrust faults and backthrust faults within the SFZ. Inverse modeling of slip on the Seattle fault, constrained by elevations of the uplifted marine terraces mapped in the ALSM images, provides a well-constrained estimate of the magnitude of the A.D. 900 Seattle fault earthquake. For each of several different Seattle fault subsurface geometry interpretations, we use a linear inversion algorithm to solve for distributed slip on the fault surfaces. We calculate moment magnitudes of 7.2 to 7.4 directly from the different slip solutions. This study represents the first known use of LIDAR-based coseismic deformation mapping in solving for earthquake source parameters.
Characterization of Large Area PLD Grown Combinatorial Compositions of Barium Strontium Titanium Oxides

Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique is used to grow 6 different films using three primary targets, namely BaTiO3, SrTiO3, and Ba0.6Sr.4TiO3. In addition to the original three materials of the targets, three new combinatorial materials have been synthesized. The new materials are mixes of BaTiO3 + SrTiO3, SrTiO3 + Ba 0.6Sr.4TiO3, BaTiO3 + Ba0.6Sr.4TiO3. The material properties were investigated using X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, I-V measurements and C-V analysis. The results indicate that we the materials deposited are pervoskites with high dielectric constants suitable for high-K MOSFETS, memory cells, and microwave components and arrays
Potentiation of acrylate ester toxicity by prior treatment with the carboxylesterase inhibitor triorthotolyl phosphate (TOTP)

Abstract The ability of the carboxylesterase inhibitor TOTP to modify the metabolism, mortality, and sulfhydryl depletion resulting from inhalation of acrylate esters was investigated in male rats. Methyl acrylate and ethyl acrylate were enzymatically hydrolyzed by plasma and by homogenates of rat liver, lung, and kidney, with highest activity found in liver homogenates. Hydrolysis of methyl and ethyl acrylate by tissue homogenates from rats treated with TOTP was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment of rats with 125 mg/kg of TOTP potentiated the lethal action of inhaled methyl acrylate and ethyl acrylate. In the 72-hr period following termination of a 4-hr exposure to 500, 750, or 1000 ppm methyl acrylate the respective mortality rates in TOTP pretreated rats were 83, 100, and 100% compared with 0, 17, and 67% mortality in corn oil-pretreated rats. The acrylate esters reacted with glutathione in vitro and decreased tissue nonprotein sulfhydryl (NPSH) in vivo . The depletion of NPSH by inhaled acrylate esters was most pronounced in lung compared with that in liver, kidney, or blood. TOTP pretreatment significantly enhanced acrylate ester-induced decreases in tissue NPSH concentrations. In rats exposed for 4 hr to 135, 370, 490, or 720 ppm methyl acrylate, lung NPSH was reduced 34, 55, 69, and 83%, respectively, in TOTP-pretreated rats versus 0, 26, 27, and 52%, respectively, in corn oil-pretreated rats. Kidney NPSH following exposure to acrylate esters was significantly altered only in TOTP-pretreated rats. These studies demonstrate that carboxylesterases are important in the detoxification of methyl acrylate and ethyl acrylate and that exposure to inhibitors of carboxylesterases may potentiate the adverse effects of these esters.
Ceramics for Prosthetic Hip and Knee Joint Replacement

The most commonly used bearing couple in prosthetic hip or knee joint replacements consists of a cobalt–chrome (CoCr) metal alloy articulating against ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene. Ceramics have been used as an alternative to metal-on-polyethylene in joint replacement surgery of arthritic hips and knees since the 1970s. In prosthetic hip and knee bearings, ceramic surfaces offer a major benefit of drastically reduced wear rates and excellent long-term biocompatibility, which can increase the longevity of prosthetic hip and knee joints. This benefit is important clinically because hip and knee replacement has become a very common surgical procedure, particularly in the United States, and because these procedures are being increasingly performed in younger patients who place greater demands on the prosthetic bearings. However, ceramics are brittle and the risk of catastrophic bearing failure in vivo, while rare, is a major concern. Improvements in material quality, manufacturing methods, and implant design have resulted in a drastic reduction of the incidence of such failures, so that modern ceramic bearings are safe and reliable if used with components of proven design and durability. Future material improvements are actively being investigated to reduce the risk of ceramic-bearing failures even further. The purpose of this article is to review the structure, properties, applications, and limitations of the ceramics that have been used in orthopedic bearings, and to describe the new ceramic composite materials and surface treatments that will be available for joint replacement surgery in the near future.
Potential hazards associated with photocuring dentin bonding agents

Summary form only received as follows: Light sources used to cure dental restorative materials have improved greatly with many of them having intensities approaching 800 mW/cm/sup 2/. Because of the increased light intensity, the potential for exposing pulpal tissues to elevated temperatures is greater. The objective of this study was to measure the temperature rise associated with curing a dentin adhesive ProBond (Caulk Dentsply, Milford, DE) and a composite Z-100 (3M, St. Paul, MN) using an Optilux Model 401 light curing unit (Demetron Research Corp., Danbury, CT). The experimental set up consisted of a stainless steel mold having a diameter of 6 mm x 3 mm depth placed over a mylar strip and a type J thermocouple. The assembly was held at 37/spl deg/C. Three sets of measurements were taken in triplicate for the conditions: A) no material; B) bonding agent; C) bonding agent + 2 mm composite. Temperatures were recorded after exposure to the light for 10, 20, 30 and 40 seconds and are given in a table. The temperature increase was significant for each group. The largest temperature increase was 42.5/spl deg/C when no material was present. Placement of the bonding agent gave a maximum temperature increase of 31.6/spl deg/C while curing of the composite gave only a 9.5/spl deg/C increase due to its ability to act as an insulator. These results suggest that curing of bonding agents in deep restorations may expose the dentin surface to significant temperature increases even though the light source may be 3 mm from the exposed surface.
The 27–28 October 1986 FIRE IFO Cirrus Case Study: In Situ Observations of Radiation and Dynamic Properties of a Cirrus Cloud Layer

Observations are presented of cirrus cloud radiative, microphysical, and dynamic properties, their variability, and apparent scale sizes, as observed from NCAR Sabreliner on October 28, 1986. Broadband mass-absorption coefficients were deduced as a function of depth into the cirrus cloud and found to vary with particle dimension. Broadband volume absorption coefficients were deduced. By employing a diffusivity factor of 1.49 this agreement was maximized. Calculated infrared heating rates were typical of thin cirrus layers. The cloud top cooling and cloud base warming were observed to become more accentuated for the denser portions of cloud. The broadband emittances due to the cloud aerosol were found to approach 0.5 to 0.6. The cirrus clouds were observed to exhibit significant horizontal variability and a significant amount of scatter was evident when attempting to relate the broadband infrared and shortwave radiative properties. It is suggested that these radiative properties, which are modulated by the cloud elements, have their scales determined by the eddies detected in the analysis of wind components.
Searching for Better Performance on the King-Rook-King Chess Endgame Problem.

For many classification problems, genetic algorithms prove to be effective without extensive domain engineering. However, the chess King-Rook-King endgame problem appears to be an exception. We explore whether modifications to a baseline parallel genetic algorithm can improve the accuracy on this particular problem. After describing the problem domain and our implementation of a parallel genetic algorithm, we present an empirical evaluation of several approaches intended to improve overall performance. Our results confirm the challenging nature of this domain. We describe several directions that may yet deliver significant improvements.
The Effect of Protein Mass Modulation on Human Dihydrofolate Reductase

Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) from Escherichia coli has long served as a model enzyme with which to elucidate possible links between protein dynamics and the catalyzed reaction. Such physical properties of its human counterpart have not been rigorously studied so far, but recent computer-based simulations suggest that these two DHFRs differ significantly in how closely coupled the protein dynamics and the catalyzed C–H → C hydride transfer step are. To test this prediction, two contemporary probes for studying the effect of protein dynamics on catalysis were combined here: temperature dependence of intrinsic kinetic isotope effects (KIEs), which are sensitive to the physical nature of the chemical step, and protein mass modulation, which slows down fast dynamics (femto- to picosecond time scale) throughout the protein. The intrinsic H/T KIEs of human DHFR, like those of E. coli DHFR, are shown to be temperature-independent in the range from 5 to 45 °C, indicating fast sampling of donor and acceptor dista...
Extraction and analysis of non-volatile memory of the ZW0301 module, a Z-Wave transceiver

Z-Wave is an implementation of home automation, under the broad category of Internet of Things (IoT). To date, the ability to perform forensic investigations on Z-Wave devices has largely been ignored; however, the placement of these devices in homes and industrial facilities makes them valuable assets for the investigation of criminal and adversarial actors. Z-Wave devices consist of sensors and actuators, which can be connected to the Internet via a gateway. Therefore, their memory contents may contain sensor reports of criminal activity or, more indirectly, provide evidence that the devices have been manipulated to achieve physical or cyber access. This paper provides details on extracting and programming the Flash and EEPROM memory of the ZW0301, which is a common Z-Wave transceiver module found on many Z-Wave devices. Specifically, the memory usage is characterized and several artifacts are identified. The feasibility of conducting a firmware modification attack on the ZW0301 is also explored. The results of this work identify several data structures including the node protocol information table and node adjacency table. The compiler and coding language used for the firmware image are also fingerprinted.
A mixed quantum-classical molecular dynamics study of anti-tetrol and syn-tetrol dissolved in liquid chloroform: Hydrogen-bond structure and its signature on the infrared absorption spectrum

The intramolecular hydrogen-bond structure of stereoselectively synthesized syn-tetrol and anti-tetrol dissolved in deuterated chloroform is investigated via a mixed quantum-classical molecular dynamics simulation. An extensive conformational analysis is performed in order to determine the dominant conformations, the distributions among them, and their sensitivity to the method for assigning partial charges (RESP vs AM1-BCC). The signature of the conformational distribution and method of assigning partial charges on the infrared absorption spectra is analyzed in detail. The relationship between the spectra and the underlying hydrogen-bond structure is elucidated.
Delayed hypersensitivity reactions in the gastrointestinal tract. IV. Effects of chronicity, neostigmine, adjuvant, and endotoxin on the pig colon lesion.

Nineteen niniature swine were skin-sensitized to 2–4 dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and had a colostomy in the midtransverse colon. All were given DNCB in adhesive paste 3 times weekly for 6 months, through the colostomy. In addition 6 animals received Freund's complete adjuvant, 6 were given E. coli endotoxin, and 4 were given neostigmine 2 times weekly for 6 months. The morphological changes produced in all animals were those of microscopic ulceration and partial glandular destruction. The lamina propria showed a chronic inflammatory infiltrate. The vessels showed perivascular congestion. The adjuvant group seemed to have a more grossly intense lesion. In the neostigmine group, crypt abscesses were found in all pigs, the first production of such lesions in an experimental model.