cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Framework for simulation of heterogeneous MpSoC for design space exploration

Due to the ever-growing requirements in high performance data computation, multiprocessor systems have been proposed to solve the bottlenecks in uniprocessor systems. Developing efficient multiprocessor systems requires effective exploration of design choices like application scheduling, mapping, and architecture design. Also, fault tolerance in multiprocessors needs to be addressed. With the advent of nanometer-process technology for chip manufacturing, realization of multiprocessors on SoC (MpSoC) is an active field of research. Developing efficient low power, fault-tolerant task scheduling, and mapping techniques for MpSoCs require optimized algorithms that consider the various scenarios inherent in multiprocessor environments. Therefore there exists a need to develop a simulation framework to explore and evaluate new algorithms on multiprocessor systems. This work proposes amodular framework for the exploration and evaluation of various design algorithms for MpSoC system. This work also proposes new multiprocessor task scheduling and mapping algorithms for MpSoCs. These algorithms are evaluated using the developed simulation framework. The paper also proposes a dynamic fault-tolerant (FT) scheduling and mapping algorithm for robust application processing. The proposed algorithms consider optimizing the power as one of the design constraints. The framework for a heterogeneous multiprocessor simulation was developed using System C/C++ language. Various design variations were implemented and evaluated using standard task graphs. Performance evaluation metrics are evaluated and discussed for various design scenarios.
Fate of ergot (Claviceps purpurea) alkaloids during malting and brewing

Ergot, caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea (Fr.) Tul., is a disease that can infect cereal grains, including barley. The presence of ergot sclerotia in harvested grain is regulated in many countries, because the sclerotia contain alkaloids that can be harmful to humans and livestock. Although the impact of thermal treatment on ergot alkaloids has been investigated in food-processing studies, there is no information available on the effects of malting and brewing processes on ergot alkaloids. The objective of this study was to determine the fate of ergot alkaloids present in sclerotia obtained from barley and wheat during malting. This type of data is essential for the determination of potential exposure and the assessment of risks associated with mycotoxins in brewing grains. Individual peptide alkaloids were determined by HPLC, and water-soluble alkaloids were determined by ELISA. Steeping appears to solubilize a small amount of peptide and water-soluble alkaloids, with kilning resulting in a more significant reduction (≈30%). The results of malting studies also suggest that cross contamination of barley with ergot alkaloids can occur. Beer was prepared from malt grist containing 0.1% (w/w) sclerotia. Mass balance calculations indicated that 32, 10, and 2 of the original total peptide alkaloids were recovered in the spent grain, wort, and beer, respectively. Average levels measured in beer were ≈10 ng/mL. A large amount of the original peptide alkaloids was lost during brewing and is believed to have resulted from thermal degradation. This was investigated further by treating aqueous extracts of sclerotia (pH 5.0) at 45, 70, and 100°C for 1 hr. Losses of up to 46% of the original peptide alkaloids were observed after I hr at 100°C.
A recognition algorithm for the intersection graphs of directed paths in directed trees

Consider a finite family of non-empty sets. The intersection graph of this family is obtained by representing each set by a vertex, two vertices being connected by an edge if and only if the corresponding sets intersect. The intersection graph of a family of directed paths in a directed tree is called a directed path graph. In this paper we present an efficient algorithm which constructs to a given graph a representation by a family of directed paths on a directed tree, if one exists. Also, we prove that a graph is a proper directed path graph if and only if it is a directed path graph.
Anionic detergents as divalent cation ionophores across black lipid membranes.

Three ionic detergents commonly used in membrane-bound protein isolation and reconstitution experiments, SDS, cholate, and DOC, are shown to act as divalent cation ionophores when incorporated into black lipid membranes made from either oxidized cholesterol or a mixture of phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol (PC/cholesterol=5∶1 mg). At a concentration greater than or equal to 1 μm, SDS shows large selectivity differences between cations and anions and among the different cations tested (Ba2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Mg2+, and Mn2+). Deoxycholate and cholate at concentrations greater than 4×10−4 m and 10−3 m, respectively, also act as divalent cation ionophores. The selectivity sequence measured for these two detergents is evidence for a strong ionic interaction between the divalent cation, and the anionic charged groups on the detergent. In the case of cholate, the conductance depends on the third or fourth power of the cholate concentration and shows a linear dependence on CaCl2 concentration. The conductance for deoxycholate depends on the sixth or seventh power of the DOC concentration and is also linearly dependent on the CaCl2 concentration. In an oxidized cholesterol black lipid membrane in the presence of 5mm CaCl2, small concentrations of LaCl3 (<1 μm) inhibit the ionophoric activity of each of the detergents tested. Evidence is presented to show that this inhibitory effect is a nonspecific effect on oxidized cholesterol BLM's, and is not due to a direct effect of La3+ on detergent-mediated transport.
A note on intuitive vs analytic thinking

Abstract Brunswik's propositions concerning intuitive vs analytic thinking were investigated by assessing performance in a three-cue inference task presented in one of three ways. In the first condition, cues were presented only as points on a blank, two-dimensional field, thus encouraging an intuitive, or perceptual, mode of thinking. In the second condition, subjects were given only the numerical equivalents of the three cues. Finally, in the third condition, the cues were presented both perceptually and numerically. The resulting error distributions were consistent with Brunswik's theoretical propositions.
Gas chromatographic detection of reduced sulfur compounds using ozone chemiluminescence

Abstract The use of ozone chemiluminescent reactions with reduced sulfur compounds as a gas chromatographic detector is described. Flow and temperature dependence of the detection system have been investigated, as well as the use of air versus oxygen in the ozonizer. Present detection limits for a number of reduced sulfur compounds range from sub-nanogram to low tens of nanograms of analyte. Selectivity of this detection system for sulfur compounds over most other compounds investigated was found to be greater than seven orders of magnitude. The only significant interference observed was that from olefins, with selectivity on the order of a thousand to one. This detection system is compared to other detection systems for monitoring reduced sulfur compounds by gas chromatography.
Automated support for seamless interoperability in polylingual software systems

Interoperability is a fundamental concern in many areas of software engineering, such as software reuse or infrastructures for software development environments. Of particular interest to software engineers are the interoperability problems arising in polylingual software systems. The defining characteristic of polylingual systems is their focus on uniform interaction among a set of components written in two or more different languages.Existing approaches to support for interoperability are inadequate because they lack seamlessness: that is, they generally force software developers to compensate explicitly for the existence of multiple languages or the crossing of language boundaries. In this paper we first discuss some foundations for polylingual interoperability, then review and assess existing approaches. We then outline PolySPIN, an approach in which interoperability can be made transparent and existing systems can be made to interoperate with no visible modifications. We also describe PolySPINner, our prototype implementation of a toolset providing automated support for PolySPIN. We illustrate the advantages of our approach by applying it to an example problem and comparing PolySPIN's ease of use with that of an alternative, CORBA-style approach.
The Broad Spectrum of Urate Crystal Deposition: Unusual Presentations of Gouty Tophi

Objectives Gout is typically described as an inflammatory arthropathy that affects the peripheral joints. Our aim was to describe atypical and rare clinical presentations of gouty tophi to help increase physician awareness and aid in patient care. Methods The relevant English literature of unusual gout manifestations was searched using the keywords gout, toph*, monosodium urate, uric acid, unusual, and rare. Well-described case reports, case series, and review articles were evaluated and included, if relevant, in the literature review. Results Review of the literature revealed many unusual manifestations of gouty tophi involving the head and neck, skin, viscera, bones, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and axial skeleton. Transplant recipients, women, and elderly people are particularly susceptible to developing tophi. Furthermore, gout can cause diagnostic dilemmas, as it can be a great mimicker of and can coexist with infection, malignancy, and other connective tissue diseases. Imaging modalities can help detect tophi in atypical locations. Conclusions Tophi can present in unexpected locations, even as the first sign of gout, and vigilance is required when unusual symptoms or signs occur in a patient with gout.
Collective Nuclear Structure in the Even-Even Samarium Isotopes

The level structure and transition matrix elements between collective states in the even-even isotopes of samarium ($A=148\ensuremath{-}154$) have been investigated using Coulomb excitation induced by ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$ ions. Both total and differential cross sections were measured for the de-excitation gamma radiation and for gamma radiation in coincidence with the inelastically scattered oxygen ions. Internal-conversion data also supplemented some phases of these studies. The exising information on these nuclei has been extended to include higher spin states and previously unmeasured transition moments for both even- and odd-parity states. The predictions of the available phenomenological collective models have been compared with this information and it has been found that although the latter models can account for some of the general features of the observed excitation spectra and transition matrix elements, they are deficient in explaining the details. In ${\mathrm{Sm}}^{152}$, where specific attention was devoted to the levels associated with the beta and gamma vibrations, the results indicate that for nuclei near the edges of the deformed region the axially symmetric model, with a first-order perturbation treatment of the rotational-vibrational interaction, is not adequate to explain the structure of low-lying states, and that this mechanism can account for only 9% of the observed coefficient of the second-order term in the expansion of the excitation energy in an angular-momentum power series. The more exact account of centrifugal stretching, developed by Davydov and Chaban, presently produces the best over-all fit, but a number of discrepancies with the data still remain and are discussed.
Technic for Recovery of Volatile Components from Lipids for Gas Chromatographic Analysis

Abstract A sampling system was developed which provides direct, rapid recovery of volatiles from lipids for subsequent gas-liquid chromatographic analysis. Lipid at 30% by weight is mixed with chromatographic solid support material. Lipid-coated support is packed into stainless steel tubing which is then connected to a flow-controlled nitrogen source and to the inlet of a packed gas-liquid chromatographic (GLC) column. Upon heating volatile components are eluted from the lipid and are collected in a dry ice cooled U-shaped section of the GLC column. The lipid, acting similar to stationary phase material, remains on the sample column. Recoveries with known compounds indicate a greater recovery of volatile components over a wider range than with previous purge methods for lipids
Hash browns for breakfast, baked potatoes for dinner: Changes in food attitudes as a function of motivation and context

Two studies investigated whether participants' motivational state and the context in which attitude reports are made influence food attitudes. Specifically, these studies examined whether hunger and the time-typicality of foods (i.e. match or mismatch between the time when a food is typically eaten and the time the attitude is reported) interact to influence reported attitudes. Study 1 suggests that hunger leads to more positive attitudes toward foods that are typically eaten at the time the attitude report is made (e.g. breakfast foods in morning) compared to foods not typically eaten at the time the attitude report is made (e.g. breakfast foods in evening). Study 2 replicates this time-typical effect of hunger and suggests that time-typical experience rather than general experience with foods is important for hunger induced attitude change. By demonstrating that food attitudes are influenced by motivational states and the match between when the attitude is reported and when it is typically encountered, the present studies extend previous attitude theory and research that has identified other contextual factors that influence attitude reports. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On confidence sequences for the mean vector of a multivariate normal distribution

Let X1, X2,… be idd random vectors with a multivariate normal distribution N(μ, Σ). A sequence of subsets {Rn(a1, a2,…, an), n ≥ m} of the space of μ is said to be a (1 − α)-level sequence of confidence sets for μ if P(μ ∈ Rn(X1, X2,…, Xn) for every n ≥ m) ≥ 1 − α. In this note we use the ideas of Robbins Ann. Math. Statist. 41 (1970) to construct confidence sequences for the mean vector μ when Σ is either known or unknown. The constructed sequence Rn(X1, X2, …, Xn) depends on Mahalanobis' Dn2 or Hotelling's Tn2 according as Σ is known or unknown. Confidence sequences for the vector-valued parameter in the general linear model are also given.
GROWTH AND DIFFERENTIATION OF SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS DURING VASCULAR DEVELOPMENT

Vascular smooth muscle cells have been the subject of intense study because of their importance in vascular disease process. Although significant progress has been made toward defining the various growth factors affecting the smooth muscle phenotype, very little is known about factors that promote smooth muscle differentiation. In the past few years, a number of key advances have been made in our understanding of skeletal muscle myogenesis, with the discovery of myogenic determination genes. In spite of these advances, the development and differentiation of smooth muscle cells remain vastly underexplored. This review is an attempt to understand the current status of the field and to highlight some of the recent progress made toward this goal.
Establishing the Nurse-Family Relationship in the Intensive Care Unit:

The nurse-family relationship in the intensive care unit (ICU) may replace the traditional nurse-patient relationship due to the patient's compromised state. As a result, the nurse-family relationship becomes extremely important. Nurses and families may develop a relationship in which they work together to benefit the patient, or an inadequate relationship may develop. In this study, strategies used by nurses and families to either develop or inhibit the development of the nurse-family relationship were identified. Using unstructured interviews with ICU nurses and family members of ICU patients, categories of strategies were identified and behaviors described. Nurses and families perceived that they each displayed only positive behaviors yet identified inhibiting behaviors of the other. Once the behaviors were shown to nurses as secondary informants, they were able to identify with their negative behaviors. An understanding of these strategies will help nurses to reevaluate their practice and enhance their understanding of the behaviors of family members.
Simultaneous segmentation and inhomogeneity correction in magnetic resonance images

In Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), intensity inhomogeneity has been an issue affecting the quality of post processing. In this paper, we present a simultaneous segmentation and inhomogeneity correction (IC) method based on active contour algorithm. It uses a generative model which is a modified Mumford-Shah functional proposed by Chan and Vese. The piecewise constant image model in the functional is multiplied by an underlying intensity inhomogeneity field. The inhomogeneity field and piecewise constant function are jointly estimated in an iterative way including solving the associated contour evolution equation and updating corresponding parameters. The algorithm is implemented using the level set framework. Test on MRI leg data shows our method achieves more accurate segmentation and IC results than other related methods in MR images with strong intensity inhomogeneity.
The structural dynamics of laser interaction with elastic solids

The one-dimensional analysis of the thickness stretch wave phenomenon occurring during the initial stages of interaction of laser radiation with solid material is presented. Boundary conditions are defined for the Navier equations of motion of a linearly elastic isotropic solid. Account is taken of vibrations arising in the solid and adjustments are defined for simply supported edges and fixed upper and lower surfaces. Bechtel's surface heat generation model describes the laser-induced temperature profile, assuming that the slab is moving fast enough and is large enough relative to the beam diameter that the slab can be treated as uniformly irradiated. The analysis is extended to the three-dimensional gross motion of the plate, which is flexural. The initial motion is stretching accompanied by stresses and displacements throughout the thickness, but is small compared to the subsequent gross motions.
Genetics of α-amanitin resistance in a natural population of Drosophila melanogaster

The genetic basis of variation in resistance to natural toxins is of interest for both ecological and evolutionary genetics. The wide variety of larval resources used by Drosophila, both within and between species, makes flies an excellent system for studying causes and consequences of selection resulting from exposure to natural toxins associated with different resources. In this study we carry out a genetic analysis of α-amanitin resistance in a population sample of Drosophila melanogaster. Data from mapping crosses of chromosome III support a role for a naturally occurring polymorphism in a multidrug resistance gene (Mdr65A) in α-amanitin resistance. However, there are no amino acid differences between resistant and sensitive chromosomes at Mdr65A. Therefore, if Mdr65A mutants contribute to the difference between α-amanitin-resistant and α-amanitin-sensitive third chromosome lines, the underlying cause is a gene regulatory mutation.
Dynorphin reduces voltage-dependent calcium conductance of mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons

Abstract Dynorphin A (DYN) (1 μM) decreased somatic calcium-dependent action potential (CAP) duration of a portion of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in a naloxone reversible manner. Responses to DYN differed from responses to Leu-enkephalin in that only DYN decreases of somatic CAP duration were associated with decreased action potential after hyperpolarization and persisted after intracellular injection of the potassium channel blocker cesium. While Leu-enkephalin at 10 μM did not affect somatic CAP duration of DRG neurons impaled with cesium-filled micropipettes, dynorphin A (1–8), dynorphin B, and β-neoendorphin were effective at 1 μM. During single electrode voltage clamp, DYN decreased inward current in a portion of DRG neurons under conditions that predominately isolated calcium current. Leak current was unaffected by dynorphin A. Therefore, we suggest that DYN decreases voltage-dependent calcium conductance. The action on calcium conductance appears specific for opioids with affinity for kappa-receptors.
Determination of heroin and some common adulterants by capillary gas chromatography

Abstract A method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of heroin along with some of the commonly occurring adulterants that have been found in samples in recent years. The method utilizes simple sample dissolution along with an internal followed by capillary gas chromatography on a non-polar DB-1 column attached to a flame ionization detector. Column temperature programming was used along with a programmed temperature vaporizer in the injection port. Linearity studies were conducted on heroin base, heroin hydrochloride and several of the other drug adulterants. Excellent results were obtained and the method is applicable to a broad range and type of heroin sample.
Scheduling policy analysis of cloud video service

As a leader in providing video service in US, Comcast provides cloud video service to Americans. Currently, the primary legal interpretation approving cloud video recording in cable-vision decision relies on individual copies for each video recorded. This means every recorded video in the cloud needs its own copy in the data center. Categorizing users by the estimated similar behavior is proposed manage the 20 billions videos available to around 50 millions subscribers. In this system, the subscribers with similar behavior are grouped in one cluster. Cloud recording cable video and IP video service requests are asynchronous and stored in two queues. The cluster goes to sleep if neither queue has requests. The cluster wakes up when a new request arrives. The cluster takes heterogeneous service calls: recording cable video and IP video. In this paper, a 2-class Markov Geo/G/1/K vacation model is presented to analyze the scheduling policy of processing two queues.
Theoretical assignment of the observed hyperfine structure in the saturated absorption spectra of I2129 and I127I129 vapors in the 633 nm wavelength region

Abstract The detailed structure observed in the saturated absorption spectrum of I2129 vapor in the 633 nm wavelength region in the spectral interval reported by Knox and Pao, has been interpreted to be the overlap between the hyperfine lines of the 8-4 P(54) line of I2129 and the 6-3 P(33) line of the I127I129 vapor. In this assignment, the nuclear electric quadrupole and nuclear magnetic terms in the Hamiltonian were diagonalized exactly and certain molecular parameters were varied to obtain the best fit with the observed spectrum. For I2129, the calculated distance (separation) of the center of the 8-4 P(54) line from the line center of the Ne20 633 nm laser transition is 0.04 cm−1 and the RMS deviation between the theoretical and experimental hyperfine spectra is 0.3 MHz. Although the calculated frequency of R(60) transition in the 8-4 band is only 0.03 cm−1 from the center of the laser line, we conclude on the basis of the larger RMS error (0.5 MHz) that this latter transition is less likely to be that responsible for the structure discussed in this paper.
Reversible chemisorption of carbon dioxide: simultaneous production of fuel-cell grade H2 and compressed CO2 from synthesis gas

One vision of clean energy for the future is to produce hydrogen from coal in an ultra-clean plant. The conventional route consists of reacting the coal gasification product (after removal of trace impurities) with steam in a water gas shift (WGS) reactor to convert CO to CO2 and H2, followed by purification of the effluent gas in a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) unit to produce a high purity hydrogen product. PSA processes can also be designed to produce a CO2 by-product at ambient pressure. This work proposes a novel concept called “Thermal Swing Sorption Enhanced Reaction (TSSER)” which simultaneously carries out the WGS reaction and the removal of CO2 from the reaction zone by using a CO2 chemisorbent in a single unit operation. The concept directly produces a fuel-cell grade H2 and compressed CO2 as a by-product gas. Removal of CO2 from the reaction zone circumvents the equilibrium limitations of the reversible WGS reaction and enhances its forward rate of reaction. Recently measured sorption-desorption characteristics of two novel, reversible CO2 chemisorbents (K2CO3 promoted hydrotalcite and Na2O promoted alumina) are reviewed and the simulated performance of the proposed TSSER concept using the promoted hydrotalcite as the chemisorbent is reported.
Validation and Verification of a Numerical Model for Tsunami Propagation and Runup

A robust numerical model to simulate propagation and runup of tsunami waves in the framework of non-linear shallow water theory is developed. The numerical code adopts a staggered leapfrog finite-difference scheme to solve the shallow water equations formulated for depth-averaged water fluxes in spherical coordinates. A temporal position of the shoreline is calculated using a free-surface moving boundary algorithm. For large scale problems, the developed algorithm is efficiently parallelized employing a domain decomposition technique. The developed numerical model is benchmarked in an exhaustive series of tests suggested by NOAA. We conducted analytical and laboratory benchmarking for the cases of solitary wave runup on simple beaches, runup of a solitary wave on a conically-shaped island, and the runup in the Monai Valley, Okushiri Island, Japan, during the 1993 Hokkaido-Nansei-Oki tsunami. In all conducted tests the calculated numerical solution is within an accuracy recommended by NOAA standards. We summarize results of numerical benchmarking of the model, its strengths and limits with regards to reproduction of fundamental features of coastal inundation, and also illustrate some possible improvements.
Ceruloplasmin Ferroxidase Activity Stimulates Cellular Iron Uptake by a Trivalent Cation-specific Transport Mechanism

The balance required to maintain appropriate cellular and tissue iron levels has led to the evolution of multiple mechanisms to precisely regulate iron uptake from transferrin and low molecular weight iron chelates. A role for ceruloplasmin (Cp) in vertebrate iron metabolism is suggested by its potent ferroxidase activity catalyzing conversion of Fe2+ to Fe3+, by identification of yeast copper oxidases homologous to Cp that facilitate high affinity iron uptake, and by studies of "aceruloplasminemic" patients who have extensive iron deposits in multiple tissues. We have recently shown that Cp increases iron uptake by cultured HepG2 cells. In this report, we investigated the mechanism by which Cp stimulates cellular iron uptake. Cp stimulated the rate of non-transferrin 55Fe uptake by iron-deficient K562 cells by 2-3-fold, using a transferrin receptor-independent pathway. Induction of Cp-stimulated iron uptake by iron deficiency was blocked by actinomycin D and cycloheximide, consistent with a transcriptionally induced or regulated transporter. Cp-stimulated iron uptake was completely blocked by unlabeled Fe3+ and by other trivalent cations including Al3+, Ga3+, and Cr3+, but not by divalent cations. These results indicate that Cp utilizes a trivalent cation-specific transporter. Cp ferroxidase activity was required for iron uptake as shown by the ineffectiveness of two ferroxidase-deficient Cp preparations, copper-deficient Cp and thiomolybdate-treated Cp. We propose a model in which iron reduction and subsequent re-oxidation by Cp are essential for an iron uptake pathway with high ion specificity.
A Personal, Thermophoretic Sampler for Airborne Nanoparticles

Engineered nanoparticles possess unique properties that present potential health risks to the workers who manufacture them and to consumers who are directly or inadvertently exposed to them. Monitoring personal exposures to these materials is necessary to evaluate such potential risks. A thermal precipitator was designed to measure concentrations of airborne nanoparticles in the breathing zone of exposed individuals. Particle collection efficiency was evaluated at flow rates of 5 and 20 mL/min and for particle sizes ranging from 15 to 240 nm. Particle transmission efficiency (with the temperature gradient off) and uniformity of particle deposition across the collection surface were also evaluated. Particle collection efficiency ranged from 100% at 5 mL/min flow to approximately 50% at 20 mL/min. Particle collection was generally homogeneous near the center of the collection plate over a distance of approximately 2 mm. Particle collection was less uniform near the edges of the collection plate, with a tend...
Characteristics of Female College Student Drug Use

The purpose of this study was to focus attention on distinctive features of female college student drug use in general and marijuana use in particular. A basic assumption underlying this research was that with recent depolarization of many sex-typed role conceptions we can expect that many women will engage in behavior which previously was predominantly associated with males. The use of marijuana, as well as various other drugs, by women is one such area where this change may be occurring. The results indicate that the gap in marijuana useage patterns between females and males has substantially narrowed. Female marijuana users were also found to use other drugs quite extensively, to have a significant number of friends who use marijuana, and to increase thier use of other drugs after having first used marijuana. The findings also elaborate on factors perceived as influential among both users and nonusers in the decision to use, continue using, and discontinuing the use of marijuana.
Numerical Prediction of Unsteady Transitional Boundary Layer Caused by Rotor-Stator Interaction

The objective of the research reported in this paper was to develop computational techniques for the prediction of transitional flows associated with the rotor-stator interaction in turbomachinery. Three lowReynolds-number turbulence models were incorporated in the Navier- Stokes code and evaluated for accuracy in predicting the onset and end of unsteady transitional patches caused by wake passing. The best model was then used for the modification and improvement of the leading-edge effect. A comparison with the experimental data indicated that the quality of prediction was as good as those derived from an unsteady boundary-layer code. A comparison of the instantaneous shape factor, the skin friction coefficient, and the momentum thickness indicated that the Navier-Stokes predictions were reasonably good and should aid the designers of turbomachiner y in allowing for the unsteady transitional flows caused by rotor-stator interaction. The simulation results were interpreted to derive new insight on the flow physics associated with transitional flow including turbulence properties.
Adoption and implementation of a computer-delivered HIV/STD risk-reduction intervention for African American adolescent females seeking services at county health departments: implementation optimization is urgently needed.

Although group-delivered HIV/STD risk-reduction interventions for African American adolescent females have proven efficacious, they require significant financial and staffing resources to implement and may not be feasible in personnel- and resource-constrained public health clinics. We conducted a study assessing adoption and implementation of an evidence-based HIV/STD risk-reduction intervention that was translated from a group-delivered modality to a computer-delivered modality to facilitate use in county public health departments. Usage of the computer-delivered intervention was low across eight participating public health clinics. Further investigation is needed to optimize implementation by identifying, understanding and surmounting barriers that hamper timely and efficient implementation of technology-delivered HIV/STD risk-reduction interventions in county public health clinics.
Development of a new plasticizer for poly(ethylene oxide)-based polymer electrolyte and the investigation of their ion-pair dissociation effect

Abstract One approach to increasing the ionic conductivity of polymer electrolyte is to add plasticizers to the polymer-salt complexes. Recently, we have synthesized a new plasticizer, modified carbonate (MC3), by attaching three ethylene oxide units to the 4-position of ethylene carbonate. A.c. impedance studies showed that an ionic conductivity of 5 × 10 −5 S cm −1 could be achieved at room temperature, by adding 50 wt.% of MC3 into poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-LiCF 3 SO 3 complex. This is two orders of magnitude higher than that found in PEO-LiCF 3 SO 3 electrolyte without a plasticizer, and one order of magnitude higher than that found when using same amount of propylene carbonate (PC) as plasticizer. Temperature-dependent conductivity measurement and thermal analysis show that this new plasticizer increased the ionic conductivity throughout the entire complex system, while the conventional plasticizers only create a high conductivity pathway through the plasticizer itself. The samples are free-standing films with good mechanical properties. When MC3 is used as a plasticizer, the ionic conductivity increase is much higher than using PC as a plasticizer at high temperature (65 °C), implying an increase in the number of charge carriers. Therefore, we believe that MC3 has a stronger ion-pair dissociation effect than PC, when used as a plasticizer. The ion-pair dissociation effect was studied by Raman, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy.
Strategies for improving heterologous protein production from filamentous fungi.

Despite the naturally high capacity for protein secretion by many species of filamentous fungi, secteted yields of many heterologous proteins have been comparatively low. The strategies for yield improvement have included the use of strong homologous promoters, increased gene copy number, gene fusions with a gene encoding a naturally well-secreted protein, protease-deficient host strains and screening for high yields following random mutagenesis. Such approaches have been effective with some target heterologous proteins but not others. Approaches used in heterologous protein production from filamentous fungi are discussed and a perspective on emerging strategies is presented.
Emotional modulation of the startle reflex in twins: preliminary findings

This study investigated twin similarity in general startle reflex reactivity and emotional modulation. Seventeen monozygotic (MZ) and 12 dizygotic (DZ) male twin pairs received startling acoustic stimuli while viewing emotionally positive, negative and neutral slides. Electromyographic (EMG) responses were recorded from the orbicularis oculi. Members of MZ twin pairs had similar response amplitudes under all three valence conditions. In addition, modulation scores for the positive and negative conditions, representing the percent change in response amplitude between the affective and the neutral conditions, also showed significant similarity within MZ twin pairs. Overall, members of DZ twin pairs were not found to be significantly similar of any of the measures. These preliminary findings suggest that emotional modulation of the startle reflex shows familial resemblance within MZ pairs. Given the lack of resemblance between DZ twins, it is tentatively suggested that affective modulation may be under partial genetic control.
Regulation of pulsatile growth hormone secretion by fasting in normal subjects and patients with acromegaly

In acromegaly, GH hypersecretion occurs despite elevated insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels, implying defective IGF-I feedback. To study the possible mechanisms of defective IGF-I negative feedback in acromegaly, we assessed parameters of pulsatile GH secretion during fasting-induced decrease in plasma IGF-I. Seven patients with active acromegaly and six normal controls were fasted for 6 days and GH secretory profiles were obtained by frequent (every 10 min) blood sampling for 24 h and analyzed by Cluster. Fasting resulted in similar decreases in IGF-I, body weight, and blood glucose levels, and increases in free fatty acid and beta-hydroxybutyrate in all subjects. Normal subjects showed increases in 24-h total and pulsatile GH production, GH pulse frequency, maximal pulse amplitude, interpulse and nadir levels, implying suppression of hypothalamic somatostatin secretion and increase in GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) pulse frequency. In acromegalic patients, GH (and, by inference, GHRH) pulse frequency was unchanged. Three patients had increases in GH production, interpulse, and nadir levels similar to the normals while the other four had no change or paradoxical decreases in these parameters. Percentage change in GH production was highly correlated with percentage change in interpulse and nadir levels in both normals and patients. Mean GH response to GHRH (0.33 micrograms/kg iv) did not change significantly in any group as a result of fasting. Our data suggest that in healthy humans IGF-I negative feedback on GH secretion involves suppression of GHRH pulse frequency. GH (and, by inference, GHRH) pulse frequency is resistant to decrease in IGF-I in acromegaly, suggesting that lowered sensitivity of GHRH neurons to IGF-I may be the mechanism of high GH pulse frequency in this disease.
Preparation of environmental studies and sciences students to participate in the environmental risk dialogue

Environmental exposure to chemicals associated with modern industrial and agricultural practices is a major societal concern. Evaluating and managing risk from these chemicals requires knowledge based on both the natural and the social sciences. In this study, we investigated if students studying in environmental programs are acquiring the technical expertise, or focused preparation in risk sciences, to actively participate in risk assessment. Among programs with faculty associated with the Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, we found that comprehensive preparatory coursework directed toward risk assessment was not a common feature among most programs. Preparation in statistics was evident among all degree programs, and those programs awarding Bachelor of Science degrees generally required foundational coursework in the natural sciences. Required coursework was rarely directly related to the risk sciences or toxicology. As a group, program graduates would not have acquired through their environmental program foundations central to the risk assessment processes. However, as shown in the analysis presented here, sufficient variation exists both among and within programs to anticipate that many individual graduates could have this preparation and make active contributions.
2H-perovskite related oxides: Synthesis, structures, and predictions

The ability to synthesize new complex oxide materials that belong to any of the large number of known oxide structural families relies typically on a general understanding of the relationship between the specific structure type and the chemical composition of its members. However, before one can create such a structure-composition relationship that enables the synthesis of new members, one needs structural information about a sizable number of existing compositions belonging to this structural family, somewhat of a “chicken or the egg” problem. In this Highlight we will use one family of oxides, specifically oxides related to the hexagonal perovskite structure, to illustrate how exploratory crystal growth methods have been used successfully to synthesize enough diverse compositions to enable the formulation of a general structural description. Furthermore, by now it appears that enough members with different compositions have been synthesized so that one can attempt to create a structure-composition relationship that has predictive powers.
Propafenone for the treatment of supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis

The purpose of this study was to determine propafenone's effectiveness in terminating and suppressing supraventricular arrhythmias using meta-analytic techniques. Published abstracts and manuscripts with these goals were selected and data abstracted on conversion and maintenance of sinus rhythm. Data were pooled using standard meta-analytic techniques and analyzed according to observation times, trial design (randomized versus nonrandomized), and route of drug administration. Propafenone successfully terminated 83.8% (95% confidence interval 78.1-89.7%) of supraventricular tachycardias. For supraventricular tachycardias, the proportion of patients remaining in sinus rhythm without recurrent arrhythmia was 64.6% (58.1-71.1%) at 1 year. The likelihood of converting a paroxysm of atrial fibrillation (AF) increased over time, with 76.1% (72.8-79.4%) of patients in sinus rhythm 24 hours after initiation of therapy. Patients receiving intravenous therapy were more likely to convert to sinus rhythm in the first 4 hours after drug administration. The treatment benefit of propafenone versus placebo in converting sinus rhythm was greatest in the first 8 hours after treatment (treatment benefit of 31.5% [24.5-38.5%] at 4 hours and 32.9% [24.3-41.5%] at 8 hours, p <0.01). This treatment benefit decreased to 1 1.0% (-0.6-22.4%) after 24 hours. Propafenone was effective in suppressing recurrences of AF in 55.4% (51.3-59.7%) at 6 months and 56.8% (52.3-61.3%) at 12 months. Thus, propafenone is effective in terminating supraventricular tachycardias and AF in the vast majority of patients. Suppression of arrhythmia recurrences is feasible in most patients, although its effectiveness decreases over time.
Constraint optimum well-log signal segmentation

A special classification algorithm is proposed that can be applied to a preprocessed (or the original noisy) well-log signal for segmentation. Knowledge of the number of segments or any other constraint, if existent, along with a criterion function can be used to complete the algorithm. The preprocessing routine consists of a running window change-detection algorithm which detects all the potential candidates for the location of changes in the signal. This routing can be applied in way that significantly overestimates the number of changes. These points of change along with other estimated parameters are used by the classification algorithm to find the global best-segmentation that agrees with the a priori knowledge of the number of segments (or any other constraint) and satisfies a criterion function. The resultant optimum classification algorithm is recursive and computationally efficient. The performance of the overall algorithm is demonstrated by several examples. >
Complications of Laparoscopic Nephrectomy in 185 Patients: A Multi-Institutional Review

AbstractPurpose: We document the incidence of complications associated with laparoscopic nephrectomy in a multi-institutional study.Materials and Methods: The study included the initial 185 patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy at 5 centers in the United States between June 1990 and July 1993.Results: A total of 30 patients (16 percent) had 34 complications. There was no mortality. Access-related complications included 2 cases of hernia formation at the trocar site, 1 abdominal wall hematoma and 1 trocar injury to a hydronephrotic kidney. Intraoperative complications included 5 cases of vascular injury, 1 splenic laceration and 1 pneumothorax. Postoperative complications involved the gastrointestinal tract in 6 cases, cardiovascular system in 6, genitourinary tract in 4, respiratory system in 4 and musculoskeletal system in 2. Miscellaneous complications occurred in 3 patients. Open surgical intervention was required electively in 8 patients and on an emergency basis in 2. The incidence of complica...
BARSTOVIAN OCHOTONIDS FROM HEPBURN'S MESA, PARK COUNTY, MONTANA, WITH COMMENTS ON THE BIOGEOGRAPHY AND PHYLOGENY OF OREOLAGUS

Abstract Few researchers have attempted rigorous cladistic analyses of fossil ochotonids (pikas), largely due to the paucity and morphological conservativism of the fossils. However, pikas were diverse and widespread during the Cenozoic, and we therefore explore the applicability of cladistic analysis utilizing dental characters, which comprise most of their fossil record. We used abundant Barstovian ochotonid specimens from Hepburn's Mesa, Montana, and previously described Miocene material to construct a phylogeny and explore congruencies among the phylogenetic, stratigraphic, and geographic occurrence of Oreolagus from the western United States. Maximum parsimony analysis was conducted using 13 morphological characters. Stratigraphic and geographic occurrences of Oreolagus are generally congruent with the proposed hypothesis of phylogeny and seem to involve an early Hemingfordian first occurrence in the Great Plains, followed by later Hemingfordian and Barstovian radiations into and within the northern ...
The evolutionary diversification of LSF and Grainyhead transcription factors preceded the radiation of basal animal lineages

The transcription factors of the LSF/Grainyhead (GRH) family are characterized by the possession of a distinctive DNA-binding domain that bears no clear relationship to other known DNA-binding domains, with the possible exception of the p53 core domain. In triploblastic animals, the LSF and GRH subfamilies have diverged extensively with respect to their biological roles, general expression patterns, and mechanism of DNA binding. For example, Grainyhead (GRH) homologs are expressed primarily in the epidermis, and they appear to play an ancient role in maintaining the epidermal barrier. By contrast, LSF homologs are more widely expressed, and they regulate general cellular functions such as cell cycle progression and survival in addition to cell-lineage specific gene expression. To illuminate the early evolution of this family and reconstruct the functional divergence of LSF and GRH, we compared homologs from 18 phylogenetically diverse taxa, including four basal animals (Nematostella vectensis, Vallicula multiformis, Trichoplax adhaerens, and Amphimedon queenslandica), a choanoflagellate (Monosiga brevicollis) and several fungi. Phylogenetic and bioinformatic analyses of these sequences indicate that (1) the LSF/GRH gene family originated prior to the animal-fungal divergence, and (2) the functional diversification of the LSF and GRH subfamilies occurred prior to the divergence between sponges and eumetazoans. Aspects of the domain architecture of LSF/GRH proteins are well conserved between fungi, choanoflagellates, and metazoans, though within the Metazoa, the LSF and GRH families are clearly distinct. We failed to identify a convincing LSF/GRH homolog in the sequenced genomes of the algae Volvox carteri and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii or the amoebozoan Dictyostelium purpureum. Interestingly, the ancestral GRH locus has become split into two separate loci in the sea anemone Nematostella, with one locus encoding a DNA binding domain and the other locus encoding the dimerization domain. In metazoans, LSF and GRH proteins play a number of roles that are essential to achieving and maintaining multicellularity. It is now clear that this protein family already existed in the unicellular ancestor of animals, choanoflagellates, and fungi. However, the diversification of distinct LSF and GRH subfamilies appears to be a metazoan invention. Given the conserved role of GRH in maintaining epithelial integrity in vertebrates, insects, and nematodes, it is noteworthy that the evolutionary origin of Grh appears roughly coincident with the evolutionary origin of the epithelium.