Scanning tunneling microscopy images of alkane derivatives on graphite: role of electronic effects

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images of self-assembled monolayers of close-packed alkane chains on highly oriented pyrolitic graphite often display an alternating bright and dark spot pattern. Classical simulations suggest that a tilt of the alkane backbone is unstable and, therefore, unlikely to account for the contrast variation. First principles calculations based on density functional theory show that an electronic effect can explain the observed alternation. Furthermore, the asymmetric spot pattern associated with the minimum energy alignment is modulated depending on the registry of the alkane adsorbate relative to the graphite surface, explaining the characteristic moiré pattern that is often observed in STM images with close packed alkyl assemblies.     

Aspects of the biology of Labeo cylindricus (Pisces: cyprinidae) in Lake Baringo,Kenya

Aspects of the biology of Labeo cylindricus from Lake Baringo were investigated, based on experimental beach seining and gillnetting between August and October 2007. The length–weight relationship indicated the species exhibited positive allometric growth (b = 3.7083), with a condition factor (K) of 0.84 ± 0.0298 S.D. Males dominated fish catches, with an adult sex ratio of males/females of 1:1.7. The fish length‐at‐50% maturity (Lm50) was 127.7 and 126.1 mm total length (TL) for males and females, respectively. Fish age and growth were determined from sagittal otoliths considered to be from the young‐of‐the‐year. Clear circuli observed in the otoliths were used to determine fish age in days. Validation by oxytetracycline marking indicated that a single growth increment (1.1 ± 0.1 SE) is formed daily on fish otoliths. Fish length (TL mm) was correlated significantly with age (in days), TL = 1.398 Age + 26.523 (r² = 0.91). Fish growth was subsequently estimated to be 1.398 mm day^?1. The weights and ages (in days) of fish exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) power relationship defined by the equation: W = 0.0003 Age^2.5804 (r² = 0.88). The results of this study provide parameters that, if appropriately monitored, can be used to predict responses of fish populations in Lake Baringo and elsewhere to human interventions (exploitation) and natural environmental change.     

Collaborate with Strangers to Find Own Preferences

We consider a model with n players and m objects. Each player has a “preference vector” of length m, that models his grades for all objects. The grades are initially unknown to the players. A player can learn his grade for an object by probing that object, but performing a probe incurs cost. The goal of a player is to learn his preference vector with minimal cost, by adopting the results of probes performed by other players. To facilitate communication, we assume that players collaborate by posting their grades for objects on a shared billboard: reading from the billboard is free. We consider players whose preference vectors are popular, i.e., players whose preferences are common to many other players. We present a sequential and a parallel algorithm to solve the problem with logarithmic cost overhead. An extended abstract of this work appeared in the 17th Ann. ACM Symp. on Parallelism in Algorithms and Architecture, Las Vegas, Nevada, July 2005. Research of B. Awerbuch supported by NSF grant ANIR-0240551 and NSF grant CCR-0311795. Research of Y. Azar supported in part by the German-Israeli Foundation and by the Israel Science Foundation. Research of B. Patt-Shamir supported in part by Israel Ministry of Science and Technology and by the Israel Science Foundation.     

Average-Case Analysis of Greedy Packet Scheduling

Abstract. We study the average number of delays suffered by packets routed using greedy (work conserving) scheduling policies. We obtain tight bounds on the worst-case average number of delays in a few cases as follows. First, we show that the worst-case average number of delays is a function of the number of sources of packets, which is interesting in case a node may send many packets. Then, using a new concept we call delay race , we prove a tight bound on the average number of delays in a leveled graph. Finally, using delay races in a more involved way, we prove nearly tight bounds on the average number of delays in directed acyclic graphs (DAGs). The upper bound for DAGs is expressed in terms of the underlying topology, and as a result it holds for any acyclic set of routes, even if they are not shortest paths. The lower bound for DAGs, on the other hand, holds even for shortest paths routes.     

Economic Lot-Sizing with Remanufacturing Options

We study a production planning problem with remanufacturing. We provide the problem's general formulation and assess its computational complexity under various cost structures. We prove that the problem is NP-complete for general concave-cost structures. When costs are linear, we obtain an 0(T³) algorithm based on transforming the problem into the transportation problem in a special way. Finally, we suggest linearizing costs as an alternative for solving the problem in the real world.     

Distributed Protocols for Networks with Mobile Users — The Mobilizer Approach

This paper introduces a novel approach, called Mobilizer, of operating synchronous communication protocols in cellular mobile environment. First, we present a distributed protocol, called Mobile Propagation of Information (MPI), for broadcasting information in mobile environment. Then, we present the Mobile Propagation of Information with Feedback (MPIF) protocol, which can be used to implement the Mobilizer approach, i.e., enable broadcast-based synchronous protocols run over distributed networks with mobile users. We prove the correctness of the protocols and show that the additional message complexity overhead, induced due to the Mobilizer, is linear with the number of users' movements.     

Hierarchical Calcite Crystals with Occlusions of a Simple Polyelectrolyte Mimic Complex Biomineral Structures

Biominerals are complex inorganic‐organic structures that often show excellent mechanical properties. Here a bio‐inspired study of a remarkably simple synthetic system is presented in which only one charged polymer additive (poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate)) is able to induce hierarchical structuring of calcite similar to biominerals. The interaction of the negatively charged polymer with the nucleation and growth of the mineral, in particular via selective adsorption to internal and external (001) facets of the calcite lattice, implies structural features from the micrometer down to the nanometer level. The crystals exhibit a distinct rounded morphology and a controlled orientation. Moreover, the polymer molecules are occluded within the crystals with different concentrations in well‐defined regions. This leads to the induction of a mesoscale structure based on 100 nm sized mineral building blocks with granular substructure and rough surface, as well as small modifications of the crystallographic structure. Such a combination of hierarchically organized structural features has previously only been reported for biogenic calcite, which is typically grown in a complex process involving multiple organic additives. It is also shown that the organic occlusions in the calcite‐PSS hybrid crystals strongly affect the mechanical performance, as known for some biominerals.     

A Stiff Injectable Biodegradable Elastomer

Injectable materials often have shortcomings in mechanical and drug‐eluting properties that are attributable to their high water contents. A water‐free, liquid four‐armed PEG modified with dopamine end groups is described which changes from liquid to elastic solid by reaction with a small volume of Fe³⁺ solution. The elastic modulus and degradation times increase with increasing Fe³⁺ concentrations. Both the free base and the water‐soluble form of lidocaine can be dissolved in the PEG₄‐dopamine and released in a sustained manner from the cross‐linked matrix. PEG₄‐dopamine is retained in the subcutaneous space in vivo for up to 3 weeks with minimal inflammation. This material's tailorable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, ability to incorporate hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs and release them slowly are desirable traits for drug delivery and other biomedical applications.