Dynamic resource allocation heuristics that manage tradeoff between makespan and robustness

Final draft post refereeing.Includes bibliographical references.Heterogeneous parallel and distributed computing systems may operate in an environment where certain system performance features degrade due to unpredictable circumstances. Robustness can be defined as the degree to which a system can function correctly in the presence of parameter values different from those assumed. This work develops a model for quantifying robustness in a dynamic heterogeneous computing environment where task execution time estimates are known to contain errors. This mathematical expression of robustness is then applied to two different problem environments. Several heuristic solutions to both problem variations are presented that utilize this expression of robustness to influence mapping decisions.This research was supported by the DARPA Information Exploitation Office under contract No. NBCHC030137, by the Colorado State University Center for Robustness in Computer Systems (funded by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education Technology Advancement Group through the Colorado Institute of Technology), and by the Colorado State University George T. Abell Endowment

Muscle MRI in periodic paralysis shows myopathy is common and correlates with intramuscular fat accumulation

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: The periodic paralyses are muscle channelopathies: hypokalemic periodic paralysis (CACNA1S and SCN4A variants), hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (SCN4A variants), and Andersen-Tawil syndrome (KCNJ2). Both episodic weakness and disabling fixed weakness can occur. Little literature exists on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in muscle channelopathies. We undertake muscle MRI across all subsets of periodic paralysis and correlate with clinical features. METHODS: A total of 45 participants and eight healthy controls were enrolled and underwent T1-weighted and short-tau-inversion-recovery (STIR) MRI imaging of leg muscles. Muscles were scored using the modified Mercuri Scale. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients had CACNA1S variants, 16 SCN4A, and 12 KCNJ2. Thirty-one (69%) had weakness, and 9 (20%) required a gait-aid/wheelchair. A total of 78% of patients had intramuscular fat accumulation on MRI. Patients with SCN4A variants were most severely affected. In SCN4A, the anterior thigh and posterior calf were more affected, in contrast to the posterior thigh and posterior calf in KCNJ2. We identified a pattern of peri-tendinous STIR hyperintensity in nine patients. There were moderate correlations between Mercuri, STIR scores, and age. Intramuscular fat accumulation was seen in seven patients with no fixed weakness. DISCUSSION: We demonstrate a significant burden of disease in patients with periodic paralyses. MRI intramuscular fat accumulation may be helpful in detecting early muscle involvement, particularly in those without fixed weakness. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess the role of muscle MRI in quantifying disease progression over time and as a potential biomarker in clinical trials

Nature-inspired nano-additives for Biofuel application – A Review

The increasing demand and cost of conventional fuels have forced humanity to consider various alternative fuels. Low yield and massive cost are significant limitations in biofuel production. Nanotechnology has emerged as a prominent research area in the scientific community with a wide range of applications, including biofuels. This review discusses the specific approaches and methods to synthesize nanoparticles from natural materials. In addition, it summarizes the use of nanocatalyst, nano-additives and microbial enzymes to enhance biofuel properties and production processes. This review also highlights the effect of plant-based nanoparticles on diesel engines' combustion performance and emissions

A Study on Establishment of Phytochemical Analysis of Quality Parameters and Fluorescence Analysis of Costus spicatus- rhizome extract Medicinal Plants a Well Known Tropical Folklore Medicine

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic pharmacognostical characters of Costus spicatus in rhizomes extract along with their physico-chemical parameters and fluorescence analysis. Methods: The pharmacognostical characters were determined in terms of macroscopy, microscopy, Powder microscopy, rhizome constant, fluorescence analysis and Preliminary phytochemical investigation. Result: The fluorescence characteristics of rhizome powdered extracts were determined under UV radiation of long and short wavelengths and ordinary visible light. When the powdered drug and extracts were treated with different reagents and observed under UV and ordinary light, they emitted various colour radiations. The colour change for the rhizome powder and individual extract were distinctive and reproducible revealing the solvent properties to the phytoconstituents and data is present. The moister content was calculated through the loss on drying method and was found to be 1.43%. The swelling and foaming index values were recorded. The phytochemical investigation indicates the presence of the organic phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, carbohydrate, flavonoids, protein, amino acids, phenols, tannin, glycosides, steroids and inorganic constituents like iron, phosphate, sulphate and chlorides. Conclusion: Various pharmacognostical and physicochemical parameters have pivotal roles in identification, authentication and establishment of quality parameters of the species. Keywords: Costus spicatus, Physico-Chemical parameters and fluorescence analysis

Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis in a Malaysian captive Asian elephant (Elephas maximus)

A 14-year-old female captive Asian elephant in a Malaysian z oo with a history of positive sero-reactivity to Elephant TB STAT-PAK assay was humanely euthanized due to chronic weight loss and poor response to treatment. Postmortem revealed generalized congestion and emphysematous lungs. Microscopically, there were severe pulmonary emphysema, eosinophilic hyaline membrane and infiltration of mature fibrocytes in the alveolar walls. Based on the histopathological findings interstitial pulmonary fibrosis was diagnosed. The possible cause of which although not completely known, is most likely due to hypersensitivity. The allergic reaction could have been caused by exposure to antigens of avian origin or the Mycobacterium gilvum, an non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM), isolated from the lung. This is the second case reported in elephants globally, thought it has been well studied in humans and reported in horses. Providing good husbandry for elephants in captivity is important to reduce the occurrence of such condition

Detection of HF and VHF Fields through Floquet Sideband Gaps by `Rabi Matching' Dressed Rydberg Atoms

Radio frequencies in the HF and VHF (3 MHz to 300 MHz) bands are challenging for Rydberg atom-based detection schemes, as resonant detection requires exciting the atoms to extremely high energy states. We demonstrate a method for detecting and measuring radio frequency (RF) carriers in the HF and VHF bands via a controlled Autler-Townes line splitting. Using a resonant, high-frequency (GHz) RF field, the absorption signal from Townes-Merrit sidebands created by a low frequency, non-resonant RF field can be enhanced. Notably, this technique uses a measurement of the optical frequency separation of an avoided crossing to determine the amplitude of a non-resonant, low frequency RF field. This technique also provides frequency-selective measurements of low frequency RF electric fields. To show this, we demonstrate amplitude modulated signal transduction on a low frequency VHF carrier. We further demonstrate reception of multiple tones simultaneously, creating a Rydberg `spectrum analyzer' over the VHF range.Comment: Data for figures can be found at: https://datapub.nist.gov/od/id/mds2-285

Phytochemical screening and GC–MS analysis of bioactive compounds present in ethanolic leaves extract of Silybum marianum (L).

Objective: To investigate the phytochemicals and GC-MS analysis of ethanol extracts of Silybum marianum. Methods: The air-dried leaves were powdered and subjected to selective sequential extraction using solvents of increasing polarity through percolation, ethanol to obtain an ethanolic extract. Then, each of the extracts was further subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: Qualitative determination of the different biologically active compounds from crude extracts of Silybum marianum using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed different types of high and low molecular weight chemical entities with varying amounts present in each of the extracts. These chemical compounds are considered biologically and pharmacologically important. Conclusions: The study established the chemical composition and anticancer activity of the plant. Keywords: Silybum marianum, Phytochemicals screening, GC–MS analysis, Bioactive compounds

Phytochemicals and GC–MS analysis of bioactive compounds present in ethanolic leaves extract of Taraxacum officinale (L).

Objective: To identify the phytochemical constituents present in ethanolic leaves extract of Taraxacum officinale (T. o) and to elucidate the bioactive compounds. Methods: The fresh leaves of T. officinale (1000g) were shade dried at room temperature for 30 days and the dried leaves were made into a fine powder. The ethanolic leaves extract obtained was dried with help of desiccator and rotatory evaporator. The dried samples tested for phytochemical analysis and bioactive compounds profiling through GC-MS analysis. Results: The phytochemical screening studies showed presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenol, cardiac glycosides and anthraquinones. in the leaves extract of T. officinale. GC-MS analysis showed 10 essential bioactive compounds and it revealed the presence of significant anticancer, Antimicrobial  and antidiabetic compounds. Conclusions: The ethanol extract of T. o possess the most important phytochemical compounds and it has various  medicinal  properties to cure dangerous diseases and disorders. Keywords: Taraxacum officinale, Phytochemicals analysis, GC–MS analysis, Biological compounds

UHTC composites for hypersonic applications

A dream for many scientists, engineers and sci-fi enthusiasts is of an aerospace vehicle that can take off from an airport, fly through the atmosphere and travel to the other side of the earth at hypersonic speeds, and then return through the atmosphere to the same or another airport. Thanks to programs like DARPA’s Falcon Hypersonic Technology Vehicle 2 program (Figure 1), the dream is taking form