cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Building Load Control using Distributionally Robust Chance-Constrained Programs with Right-Hand Side Uncertainty and the Risk-Adjustable Variants.

Aggregation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) loads can provide reserves to absorb volatile renewable energy, especially solar photo-voltaic (PV) generation. However, the time-varying PV generation is not perfectly known when the system operator decides the HVAC control schedules. To consider the unknown uncertain PV generation, in this paper, we formulate a distributionally robust chance-constrained (DRCC) building load control problem under two typical ambiguity sets: the moment-based and Wasserstein ambiguity sets. We derive mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) reformulations for DRCC problems under both sets. Especially for the DRCC problem under the Wasserstein ambiguity set, we utilize the right-hand side (RHS) uncertainty to derive a more compact MILP reformulation than the commonly known MILP reformulations with big-M constants. All the results also apply to general individual chance constraints with RHS uncertainty. Furthermore, we propose an adjustable chance-constrained variant to achieve a trade-off between the operational risk and costs. We derive MILP reformulations under the Wasserstein ambiguity set and second-order conic programming (SOCP) reformulations under the moment-based set. Using real-world data, we conduct computational studies to demonstrate the efficiency of the solution approaches and the effectiveness of the solutions.
Kratom pharmacology: Clues from planarians exposed to mitragynine.

Abstract Mitragynine (MG), the most prevalent bioactive alkaloid in kratom, displays nanomolar affinity for µ, κ and δ opioid receptors and produces opioid-dependent antinociception and dependence in rats. Here, using a battery of behavioral assays, we investigated MG effects in planarians. Acute MG exposure (
Low Precision Decentralized Distributed Training with Heterogeneous Data

Decentralized distributed learning is the key to enabling large-scale machine learning (training) on the edge devices utilizing private user-generated local data, without relying on the cloud. However, practical realization of such on-device training is limited by the communication bottleneck, computation complexity of training deep models and significant data distribution skew across devices. Many feedback-based compression techniques have been proposed in the literature to reduce the communication cost and a few works propose algorithmic changes to aid the performance in the presence of skewed data distribution by improving convergence rate. To the best of our knowledge, there is no work in the literature that applies and shows compute efficient training techniques such quantization, pruning etc., for peer-to-peer decentralized learning setups. In this paper, we analyze and show the convergence of low precision decentralized training that aims to reduce the computational complexity of training and inference. Further, We study the effect of degree of skew and communication compression on the low precision decentralized training over various computer vision and Natural Language Processing (NLP) tasks. Our experiments indicate that 8-bit decentralized training has minimal accuracy loss compared to its full precision counterpart even with heterogeneous data. However, when low precision training is accompanied by communication compression through sparsification we observe 1-2% drop in accuracy. The proposed low precision decentralized training decreases computational complexity, memory usage, and communication cost by ~4x while trading off less than a 1% accuracy for both IID and non-IID data. In particular, with higher skew values, we observe an increase in accuracy (by ~0.5%) with low precision training, indicating the regularization effect of the quantization.
Separation of nuclear and disk components in IRAS observations of spiral galaxies

We have analyzed IRAS survey addscans of relatively nearby, large spiral galaxies by fitting to a model in which an axisymmetric, inclined disk is superposed on a central point source. A focal plane model of the IRAS detector response is integrated into the analysis. Preliminary results indicate that the technique is useful for spatial decomposition of IRAS fluxes for normal spirals.
Obesity and Gender

While obesity prevalence has increased worldwide, research shows that more women than men are obese. This gender difference suggests the need to examine obesity from a social science perspective. The specific objectives of this entry are: (1) to introduce social scientists to the definition of obesity and its measurement; (2) to determine gender patterns of obesity; and (3) to identify social science perspectives To accomplish the stated objectives, I conducted in-depth literature reviews (search terms: gender, obesity, measurement, World Health Organization, International Obesity Task Force, children and obesity, adults and obesity) in PubMed and social science databases. Based on the international body mass index (BMI) criteria established by the World Health Organization, gendered patterns of obesity are evident among adults such that women are more likely to be obese. Among children and adolescents, there are few discernable or statistically significant differences in obesity prevalence. Public health perspectives often rely on individual health behaviors to explain gender differences which leave the macrolevel structures that contribute to gender differences in obesity understudied. In contrast, social science approaches examine gender socialization and social psychological theories to examine gender differences in obesity. Keywords: body image; cross-cultural; feminist theory; gender; gender studies; obesity
Source and Channel Coding Issues for ATM Networks

This paper discusses source and channel coding issues as applicable to ATM networks. Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) has rapidly emerged as the appropriate transport technique for Broadband ISDN. Among the various services offered in future ATM networks, packetized variable bit-rate (VBR) video is likely to be one of the largest users of bandwidth.
Programming Paradigms for Scientific Problem Solving Environments

Scientific problem solving environments (PSEs) are software platforms that allow a community of scientific users the ability to easily solve computational problems within a specific domain. They are designed to hide the details of general purpose programming by allowing the problem to be expressed, as much as possible, in the scientific language of the discipline. In many areas of science, the nature of computational problems has evolved from simple desktop calculations to complex, multidisciplinary activities that require the monitoring and analysis of remote data streams, database and web search and large ensembles of supercomputer-hosted simulations. In this paper we will look at the class of PSE that have evolved for these “Grid based” systems and we will consider the associated programming models they support. It will be argued that a hybrid of three standard models provides the right programming support to handle the majority of the applications of these PSEs.
State-level differences in fatal law enforcement officer collisions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate variability in law enforcement officer (LEO) traffic fatality rates among states in order to identify policy-relevant areas of opportunity to reduce deaths. Design/methodology/approach – Differences in state highway spending, regulatory policy, law enforcement training, LEO and general public traffic fatalities, and other state-level variables are explored through cross-sectional regression analysis and qualitative content analysis. Data were used from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Crime in the USA and LEOs Killed and Assaulted reports, and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System, among other sources. Findings – There are a number of significant state-level variables and trends that contribute to differences in LEO traffic fatality rates. Maximum highway speed limits and general population traffic fatalities are found to be statistically significant predictors. Thematic factors relating to LEO ...
Availability of cord blood extends allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant access to racial and ethnic minorities.

Allogeneic transplant access can be severely limited for patients of racial and ethnic minorities without suitable sibling donors. Whether cord blood (CB) transplantation can extend transplant access because of the reduced stringency of required HLA-match is not proven. We prospectively evaluated availability of unrelated donors (URD) and CB according to patient ancestry in 553 patients without suitable sibling donors. URDs had priority if adequate donors were available. Otherwise ≥4/6 HLA-matched CB grafts were chosen utilizing double units to augment graft dose. Patients had highly diverse ancestries including 35% non-Europeans. In 525 patients undergoing combined searches, 10/10 HLA-matched URDs were identified in 53% of those with European ancestry, but only 21% of patients with non-European origins (P
Chapter Six: The Influence of Instruction

Ce travail constitue le sixieme chapitre d'un ouvrage general portant sur l'expression de la temporalite au cours de l'acquisition d'une langue seconde. Cette etude generale prend en compte toutes les possibilites mises en oeuvre par la langue pour referer au temps. Dans ce cadre, ce present travail analyse, de facon principalement experimentale, l'influence de l'enseignement sur l'acquisition de la temporalite et sur le developpement du systeme aspecto-temporel. L'A. ne s'interesse pas a l'enseignement d'un point de vue pedagogique mais du point de vue de l'acquisition. C'est-a-dire qu'il observe la maniere dont differents environnements d'apprentissage influencent l'acquisition du temps et de l'aspect. L'A. reprend la distinction operee par Van-Patten (1990) entre trois domaines de recherche dans l'acquisition d'une langue seconde : 1. la langue etrangere, 2. la langue seconde enseignee et 3. la langue seconde non enseignee. L'acquisition d'une langue seconde se place a l'intersection des trois cercles que forment ces domaines et constitue le noyau de la theorie ALS. L'A. examine l'ensemble de la litterature qui se rapporte a cette theorie et cherche a definir ce qui est commun a ces differents types d'apprenants dans l'acquisition de la semantique temporelle en langue seconde
Causes of death and predictors of survival after aortic valve replacement in low flow vs. normal flow severe aortic stenosis with preserved ejection fraction.

Aims Reduced stroke volume index (SVI) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and preserved ejection fraction (EF) is associated with adverse outcomes even after aortic valve replacement (AVR), although specific reasons for impaired survival in this group are unknown. We investigated predictors of post-AVR survival and specific cause of death in patients with AS according to SVI. Methods and results Among 1120 consecutive patients with severe AS (aortic valve area <1.0 cm2) and preserved EF (≥50%) using 2-D and Doppler echocardiography who had AVR, 61 (5%) patients had reduced SVI [<35 mL/m2 (low flow, LF)] and 1059 (95%) had normal SVI [≥35 mL/m2 (normal flow, NF)]. Survival post-AVR was lower in patients with LF compared with NF [3-year survival in LF group 76% (95% CI 70–82) vs. 89% (95% CI 88–90%), P = 0.03] primarily due to higher cardiac mortality [3-year event rate 13% (95% CI 8–18%) in LF vs. 5% (95% CI 5–7%) in NF, P = 0.02]. Congestive heart failure (CHF) was the most common cause of cardiac death in the LF group (57% of post-AVR cardiac deaths) and was a more frequent cause of death in LF compared with NF (3-year risk 7 vs. 2%, P = 0.008). Multivariable predictors of post-AVR mortality included age, creatinine, haemoglobin, right ventricular systolic pressure, SVI, and cognitive impairment. Conclusion Reduced SVI is associated with higher cardiac mortality after AVR. CHF is the predominant cause of cardiac mortality after AVR in patients with LF, suggesting the presence of persistent myocardial impairment in this population.
Stabilizability of Unstable Linear Plants Under Bounded Control

Considered in this paper is the problem of stabilizing a linear unstable plant under bounded control. It is shown that a linear strictly unstable plant can never be globally stabilized under bounded control, and a linear unstable plant can never be globally stabilized under bounded linear feedback control. Hence, any stabilizing controller (be it linear or nonlinear) for a strictly unstable plant can only be locally stabilizing. Consequently, it is important to estimate the domain of attraction achievable with a locally stabilizing control under a prespecified control bound. Since, it is difficult to construct the domain of attraction, we use the domain within which the control is not saturated to approximate it. The relation between these two domains are characterized and computable expressions for the biggest stability ball and the biggest stability polytope that lie inside the domain of non saturating control are given
Collective (Raman) free electron laser gain measurements

Abstract We report measurements of microwave emission from a narrow band ( Δω ω ≤ 0.02 ), tunable ( 7 ≤ ω 2π ≤ 21 GHz ) single mode TE11 collective (Raman) free electron laser (FEL). The FEL gain has been measured as a function of the wiggler field, beam current, and output frequency, and the transition to the warm beam Compton regime has been detected. Gain is observed over a range of signal intensities of 109, and up to 100 kW of power has been observed. The linear response of the FEL is in very good agreement with three-dimensional linear theory and the 12% saturation efficiency agrees well with calculations and preliminary numeric simulations.
Analytical Modeling of Turbine Cascade Leading Edge Heat Transfer Using Skin Friction and Pressure Measurements

The flow near the leading edge stagnation-line of a plane turbine cascade airfoil is analyzed using measurements, analytical modeling, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. New measurements of skin friction and pressure indicate that the aerodynamics of the leading edge are well described by an exact analytical solution for stagnation-point or Hiemenz flow. The skin friction measurements indicate the extent over which the analytical model applies. Based on measurements from an earlier study, the highest heat transfer levels occur along the leading edge stagnation-line. The same parameters that characterize Hiemenz flow also characterize a stagnation-point potential flow, which is used to accurately predict the heat transfer levels along the stagnation-line. CFD analysis indicates that pressure predictions are better than skin friction predictions for characterizing the analytical modeling that is used for more accurate heat transfer evaluation. This provides an approach for predicting the peak heat transfer coefficient in a cascade based only upon surface static pressure calculations.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Extreme User Centered Design: Methodology for Eliciting and Ranking Requirements in User-Centered New Product Development: Case Studies from Honduras and the Central African Republic

Designing appropriate technology for people in developing countries is a complex challenge. An unclear aspect of this design is fully understanding and ranking end user requirements, and then creatively designing a user-pulled product. Many methods have been proposed, but each omits end users as integral to the design process. Instead, designers identify the needs, ask the intermediary customers to rank the needs, evaluate correlations between the needs, and then use tools to optimize the product based on the ranked needs. The missing factor in this process is involving end users as co-designers. Currently many designers create prototypes based on intermediary customer inputs and then ask end users to select their favorites. This method could influence end users into selecting a design that is not completely end user pulled. Implementing changes at this stage of the development process is costly. Requirements must be pulled by end users, and not pushed onto them by the designer. Ownership is vital for end users in order for them to adopt a new product. The design methodology developed by this study is called Extreme User Centered Design (EUCD). Two projects inspiring the EUCD development will be discussed in this paper. The first project involves the design of a self-contained family-sized aquaponics system for people in Honduras. The second project involves the design of a manual water pump for the Central African Republic (CAR). This pump will replace an earlier pump that is no longer repairable with commercially available parts. Developing the EUCD process from these projects will require extensive investigation into new practices, where intermediary customers and end users have an important role.
Anesthetic implications in systemic lupus erythematosus patients posted for cesarean section: A series of five cases

Management of a parturient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) requires a multidisciplinary approach. Although the ideal treatment strategy has not been formulated, certain management principles are recommended. We discuss the perioperative course and anesthetic management of five parturient with history of SLE who underwent cesarean section.
Photochemical Decomposition of DDT by a Free-Radical Mechanism

Both as a pure solid and in hexane solution, DDT readily decomposed when irradiated with ultraviolet light (2537 angstroms). Principal products identified by gas-liquid and thin-layer chromatography from irradiations of the solid phase were 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl) ethane, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene, and 4,4'-dichlorobenzophenone. 1,1-Dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane and hydrochloric acid were identified from irradiated solutions of DDT in hexane. On the basis of products obtained, quantum yields, scavenger experiments, and other chemical tests, a nonchain, free-radical mode of degradation is proposed.
Analgesia for paediatric tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy with intramuscular clonidine.

BACKGROUND: After undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T&A), children may experience significant pain. Clonidine, an alpha2 agonist, exhibits significant analgesic properties. The current investigation sought to determine whether intramuscular (I.M.) clonidine would decrease pain in paediatric patients undergoing T&A. METHODS: Thirty-nine children undergoing elective T&A were studied. Following inhalational anaesthetic induction, fentanyl (2 microg x kg(-1)) was given intravenously, acetaminophen (paracetamol) (30 mg.kg-1) was given rectally and the children then randomly received an i.m. injection of either normal saline or clonidine (2 microg x kg(-1)). Perioperative analgesic requirements in the postanaesthesia care unit and at home following hospital discharge were evaluated. RESULTS: There were no significant demographic, analgesic consumption, haemodynamic or pain score differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: We do not recommend adding i.m. clonidine (2 microg x kg(-1)) to the analgesic regimen of children undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.
Beat wave interferometry for measuring relative motion

A new approach to detecting relative motion is proposed based on measuring the beat frequency. A formula is derived for the beat frequency as a function of the speed of translation. A principal sketch of an experimental setup implementing the new idea is proposed, and the effects of possible small differences in the frequencies and phases of the sources are discussed.
Three-dimensional finite element analysis application to continuous casting

An analysis was made of a three-dimensional ingot being cast continuously by withdrawing it from a mold. Finite element method used to predict the temperature and stress distribution in a continuously cast ingot provided design engineers with a reliable method of optimizing the location of the bending rolls and radius of the curved portion of continuous casting. Boundary conditions affecting the cooling process and stress distribution were varied along the direction of the casting. The material properties were temperature dependent and latent heat of fusion was incorporated into the specific heat.
Formal models of distributed memory management

We develop am abstract model of memory management in distributed systems. The model is low-level enough so that we can express communication, allocation and garbage collection, but otherwise hides many of the lower-level details of an actual implementation.Recently, such formal models have been developed for memory management in a functional, sequential setting [10]. The models are rewriting systems whose terms are programs. Programs have both the "code" (control string) and the "store" syntactically apparent. Evaluation is expressed as conditional rewriting and includes store operations. Garbage collection becomes a rewriting relation that removes part of the store without affecting the behavior of the program.Distribution adds another dimension to an already complex problem. By using techniques developed for communicating and concurrent systems [9], we extend their work to a distributed environment. Sending and receiving messages is also made apparent at the syntactic level. A very general garbage collection rule based on reachability is introduced and proved correct. Now proving correct a specific collection strategy is reduced to showing that the relation between programs defined by the strategy is a sub-relation of the general relation. Any actual implementation which is capable of providing the transitions (including their atomicity constraints) specified by the strategy is therefore correct.This model allows us to specify and prove correct in a compact manner two garbage collectors; the first one does a simple garbage collection local to a node. The second garbage collector uses migration of data in order to be able to reclaim inter-node cyclic garbage.
Evidence for Regulation of Peptide-YY Release by the Proximal Gut

Peptide-YY (PYY) is a novel enteric peptide that is structurally related to pancreatic polypeptide and neuropeptide-Y. The objectives of the present experiments were to characterize the following aspects of PYY metabolism: the distribution of PYY in the canine gastrointestinal tract, the release of PYY in response to oral ingestion of a mixed meal or intraduodenal (ID) administration of oleic acid, the effect of ileocolectomy on the release of PYY in response to ID administration of oleic acid when transit of chyme to the distal ileum and colon is prevented, the effect of interruption of intramural neural pathways of the small bowel on the release of PYY, and the effect of iv cholecystokinin on the release of PYY. The results of these experiments demonstrate that PYY immunoreactivity is distributed primarily in the terminal ileum, colon, and rectum. Circulating levels of PYY increase significantly (P less than 0.05) within 10-30 min after ingestion of a meal or to ID administration of a fatty acid. Complete interruption of the flow of chyme to the site of PYY-containing cells (i.e. ileum-colon) did not block the release of PYY; however, ileocolectomy abolished the release of PYY in response to ID administration of oleic acid. Severance of intramural neural pathways along the small bowel did not alter the release of PYY in response to an oral meal. Intravenous administration of graded doses of cholecystokinin stimulated the release of PYY in a dose-related manner. The results of these experiments indicate that the release of PYY from the distal ileum and colon is controlled, at least in part, by an extramural neural, endocrine, or a combination of both types of mechanisms which originate in the foregut.
Selective glutathione repletion with oral oxothiazolidine carboxylate (OTZ) in the radiated tumor-bearing rat.

Oxothiazolidine carboxylate (OTZ) is a cysteine prodrug which augments intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels. We examined the effects of oral OTZ on tumor and host tissue reduced GSH levels in fasting and radiated models of GSH depletion. In addition, we studied the tumor's ability to utilize OTZ via the enzyme, oxoprolinase. Fischer 344 rats (n= 40) were implanted with MCA sarcoma and studied at 10% tumor burden. Treatment consisted of 10 mmol/kg OTZ or buffer orally. After a 24-hr fast, 16 animals were treated and tumor, kidney, jejunal, and colonic mucosa were collected after 4 hr. Significant increases in GSH with OTZ (n= 8) vs buffer (n= 8) were seen in kidney (5.6 ± 0.4 vs 4.3 ± 0.9;P< 0.01), jejunum (13.8 ± 1.3 vs 12.1 ± 1.1;P< 0.05), and colon (6.7 ± 1.2 vs 5.3 ± 0.6;P< 0.05), but not tumor (8.9 ± 2.4 vs 10.6 ± 1.4;P= 0.12). Sixteen animals were treated 4 hr before and 18 hr following 1100 cGy of abdominal radiation and at 4 days, tumor, jejunal, and colonic mucosa were collected. Significant increases in GSH with OTZ (n= 8) vs buffer (n= 8) were noted in jejunum (9.3 ± 1.1 vs 7.5 ± 1.8;P< 0.05) and colon (5.6 ± 1.1 vs 4.3 ± 0.9;P< 0.05) but not tumor (8.4 ± 1.6 vs 7.6 ± 1.4;P= 0.34). To determine tissue oxoprolinase activity, tumor, kidney, liver, jejunal, and colonic mucosa were collected from 8 animals. Oxoprolinase activity was highest in the kidney (814 ± 145) with no difference noted between liver and tumor (280 ± 117 and 324 ± 137, respectively). Oral OTZ selectively increases reduced GSH levels in normal tissues compared to tumor following fasting and whole abdominal radiation. This increase does not appear to be due to a differential activity of oxoprolinase. OTZ may have a role in protection against toxicity associated with oxidative injury by selective repletion of normal host tissue GSH levels.
Transmission dynamics of Toxoplasma gondii on a pig farm.

Transmission of Toxoplasma gondii infection on a pig farm in New England was investigated using genetic and ecological methods to (i) determine if infection of pigs was a result of a single source, such as in an epizootic situation (e.g. outbreak) or of multiple sources, such as in an enzootic situation, (ii) identify the main source species of infection to pigs and (iii) evaluate the role of the environment surrounding the farm as the source of infection on the farm. Genetic characterization of 25 T. gondii isolates from market pigs revealed three distinct genotypes with no evidence of recombinants. These data imply that at least three distinct exposure events occurred during the 7-month lifespan of these pigs. This genotype diversity is consistent with enzootic transmission of T. gondii on the farm. Cats were suspected as the main source of pig infection based on the high seroprevalence (>95%) in pigs. The presence of the two most common T. gondii genotypes in eight isolates from free ranging chickens on this farm corroborated the role of cats because chickens were probably infected through ingestion of oocysts in the soil. The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in 163 wild mammals and birds captured around the pig sties (overall 13.1%) increased with proximity to the pig sties. Thus, transmission of T. gondii was higher near the pig sties than in the surrounding environment probably because of increased density of oocysts there. We propose that the farm does not simply reflect its surroundings in terms of strain composition and risk of infection, but that it acts as a reservoir of strains from which the outflow of new infections into its surrounding environment is higher than the inflow.
Moisture Levels in Frozen Poultry as Related to Thawing Losses, Cooking Losses, and Palatability 2. Turkey Fryer-Roasters

Abstract QUESTIONS concerning moisture absorption by poultry carcasses in washing and chilling have been much discussed by processors and regulatory officials in recent years. Standards which set limits on the retention of water have now been established by the United States Department of Agriculture, but these are subject to continuing review as additional data become available through research and the experiences of industry. Factors affecting the rate of moisture up-take by chicken broilers and the fate of the water absorbed have been studied by a number of investigators as reviewed by Kotula et al. (1960) and Froning et al. (1960). Less information is available relative to the turkey. The work of Spencer et al. (1956) is the only extensive study reported, and this does not include the effect of moisture level on palatability. The purpose of the investigation reported below was to expand our information on moisture absorption and retention by …
In vitro comparison of the setting of dry ProRoot MTA by moisture absorbed through the root.

Abstract This study explored the potential of dry ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (Dentsply Tulsa Dental, Tulsa, OK) powder to set solely by moisture absorbed through the root. Thirty-three single-rooted extracted teeth were decoronated and instrumented. The canal was packed with dry powder, and the coronal and apical 4 to 5 mm was sealed with nail varnish. Teeth were grouped and submerged in physiologic saline as follows: group A, 12 hours; group B, 36 hours; and group C, 72 hours. After submersion, the teeth were sectioned, and a 5-lb pound weight was placed on the Proroot MTA for 1 minute. The surface was evaluated for any evidence of penetration or fracture at 15× magnification. Nine of 10 samples were set at 72 hours versus 4 of 10 at 36 hours and 1 of 10 at 12 hours. Statistical analysis using a McNemar test with a significance of p
Birth weights and infant mortality among American slaves.

This study is concerned with the ongoing debate regarding the health and mortality of slaves that started with the publication of "Time on the Cross". The author argues that living standards of slave children in the United States were poor. Using data from the records of the coastal trade in slaves from the early nineteenth century it is shown that newborns of slaves weighed on average less than 5.5 pounds and that the infant mortality rate was around 30 to 40 percent. Factors affecting this situation are analyzed and the implications for the estimation of slave fertility and of the underenumeration of vital events and infant mortality in other populations are considered.
Computer simulation of microstructural evolution in thin films

The nature of the microstructure of a thin film strongly affects its functionality in electronic applications. For example, the rate of electromigration-induced failure is a function not only of the grain size in an interconnect line, but also of the width and shape of the grain size distribution. We are developing techniques which allow prediction of the relationships between the conditions for thin film processing and the topology and geometry of resulting grain structures. We have simulated two-dimensional microstructural evolution by determining the location of grain boundaries after nucleation and growth of crystalline domains. We have allowed for nucleation under a variety of conditions including constant nucleation rates, decreasing nucleation rates and instantaneous saturation of nucleation sites. We have also allowed for increasing and decreasing growth rates which depend in various ways on the domain size. We have simulated grain growth in two-dimensional structures by allowing boundary and triple point motion in order to reduce the total grain boundary area. The rate and nature of the initial stages of grain growth are strongly affected by the conditions for nucleation and growth. Eventually, however, grain growth appears to proceed as expected from analytical treatments.
Relative hydrogenation rates of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and oxygenates

This report considers the relative hydrogenation rates both of individual substrates and of substrate mixtures with carbon monoxide, over the Cu/ZnO catalyst for methanol synthesis. A pattern which emerges for the Cu/ZnO catalyst is then compared with those for nickel, cobalt, and rhodium to demonstrate some significant differences in the function of these catalysts.
3-D reconstruction of the cholinergic basal forebrain system in young and aged rats.

Abstract The 3-dimensional (3-D) distribution of cholinergic neurons located throughout the extent of the entire basal forebrain of young (4–5 months old) and aged (24–25 months old) Fischer-344 rats was examined using choline acetyltransferase immunocytochemistry (ChAT-IR). The number and 3-D position of ChAT-IR neurons spanning the basal forebrain were determined using serial sections and analyzed using computerized image analysis. The effects of aging on ChAT-IR neuron number were analyzed as a cohesive unit with respect to the classically-defined magnocellular subregions located within the basal forebrain (i.e., the medial septum, vertical and horizontal limbs of the diagonal band, and the nucleus basalis). Significant effects of age were found on ChAT-IR neuron number but no significant age-related interactions were noted with either the A-P, M-L, or D-V axes. These results suggest that a significant but diffuse age-related loss of ChAT-IR occurs along the entire length of the basal forebrain, and that this loss is not restricted to individual magnocellular nuclei (A-P axis), the M-L axis, or the D-V axis.
Statistical Methods for Equilibrium Moisture Correlations

In the first paper of this series § there was presented a method for the treatment of equilibrium moisture data for textile fibers. Results of extensive statistical calculations were reported and analyzed. This paper presents the details of the methods which were used in arriving at those correlations.Of major interest is a means of calculating the best point of intersection of a series of lines and of evaluating the probability of the existence of such a common point on all lines. When it is suspected that the lines are parallel, the test of probability must be adapted to this eventuality.In general, the probabilities are estimated by analysis of variance. In this calculation, the individual lines are fitted to the experimental points by the method of least squares. They are then again fitted to the points with the additional condition of intersection or parallelism, which ever is thought to be more likely. The additional variance imposed by the added condition is then compared to that of the deviations ...
Liquid-Feed Flame Spray Pyrolysis as a Method of Producing Mixed-Metal Oxide Nanopowders of Potential Interest as Catalytic Materials. Nanopowders along the NiO−Al2O3 Tie Line Including (NiO)0.22(Al2O3)0.78, a New Inverse Spinel Composition.

Liquid-feed flame spray pyrolysis (LF-FSP) is a general aerosol combustion route to unagglomerated and often single crystal mixed-metal oxide nanopowders with exact control of composition. LF-FSP of xNi(O2CCH2CH3)2/yAl(OCH2CH2)3N EtOH solutions at selected x:y ratios provides mixed-metal oxide nanopowders with compositions covering much of the Al2O3−NiO phase space. All powders were characterized by XRD, BET, FTIR, SEM, TEM, and TGA-DTA. With the exception of pure NiO (specific surface area, SSA, ∼7 m2/g), all product powders offer SSAs ≥ 45 m2/g (average particle sizes ≤ 30 nm) without microporosity. At NiO/Al2O3 ratios near 1:1, the LF-FSP nanopowders are single phase, bright blue NiAl2O4 inverse spinel. The blue color of these materials is typical of Ni spinels. At higher NiO contents, NiO is the dominant phase with some δ-alumina and intermediate spinels. At low NiO contents, blue powders form but the δ-alumina phase predominates, suggesting incorporation of Ni2+ in the alumina lattice or formation of...
The Sociology of Professions: An Emerging Perspective

Sociological studies of professions have traditionally focused on definitional list-making in an attempt to differentiate professions from nonprofessions. Despite recent criticisms of that approach, it has persisted. After first discussing inconsistencies and difficulties associated with the traditional approach, this paper explores an alternative perspective for analyzing professions. It is argued that the ability to obtain and maintain professional status is closely related to concrete occupational strategies and to wider social forces and arrangements of power. Such a perspective leads to a consideration of the social meaning of occupational tasks, the resources behind the emergence and continuation of professionalism, and the social consequences of professionalism.
Microbial adaptation to bromobenzene in a chemostat

Microorganisms capable of growth with bromobenzene as their sole source of carbon and energy were selected from a continuously growing community of microorganisms initially selected for growth at the expense of benzene as sole source of carbon and energy. The selection was by a gradient of increasing bromobenzene/decreasing benzene in the nutrient feed of the continuous culture. Generation times in the system were about 38h. These experiments selected two strains ofPseudomonas that used bromobenzene as sole carbon and energy source. These two strains appeared identical with two members of the original community which previously could not use bromobenzene. After the selection, the strains in either pure or mixed culture, were capable of growing at the expense of benzene, bromobenzene, and chlorobenzene, but not iodobenzene.
The Torino Impact Hazard Scale

Abstract Newly discovered asteroids and comets have inherent uncertainties in their orbit determinations owing to the natural limits of positional measurement precision and the finite lengths of orbital arcs over which determinations are made. For some objects making predictable future close approaches to the Earth, orbital uncertainties may be such that a collision with the Earth cannot be ruled out. Careful and responsible communication between astronomers and the public is required for reporting these predictions and a 0–10 point hazard scale, reported inseparably with the date of close encounter, is recommended as a simple and efficient tool for this purpose. The goal of this scale, endorsed as the Torino Impact Hazard Scale, is to place into context the level of public concern that is warranted for any close encounter event within the next century. Concomitant reporting of the close encounter date further conveys the sense of urgency that is warranted. The Torino Scale value for a close approach event is based upon both collision probability and the estimated kinetic energy (collision consequence), where the scale value can change as probability and energy estimates are refined by further data. On the scale, Category 1 corresponds to collision probabilities that are comparable to the current annual chance for any given size impactor. Categories 8–10 correspond to certain (probability >99%) collisions having increasingly dire consequences. While close approaches falling Category 0 may be no cause for noteworthy public concern, there remains a professional responsibility to further refine orbital parameters for such objects and a figure of merit is suggested for evaluating such objects. Because impact predictions represent a multi-dimensional problem, there is no unique or perfect translation into a one-dimensional system such as the Torino Scale. These limitations are discussed.
Plant Species Restoration: Effects of Different Founding Patterns on Sustaining Future Population Size and Genetic Diversity

Efforts to sustain the earth’s biodiversity will include the establishment and manipulation of isolated rescue populations, derived either via in situ fragmentation, or under ex situ circumstances. For target species, especially those with limited propagation resources, major goals of such projects include both the optimization of population size and the preservation of genetic diversity. Such rescue populations will be founded in a variety of ways, but little is known about how the geometric patterning of founders can affect population growth and genetic diversity retention. We have developed a computer program, NEWGARDEN, to investigate this issue for plant species that vary in life history characteristics. To use NEWGARDEN, input files are created that specify the size and structure of the preserve, the positioning and genetic diversity of the founders, and life history characteristics of the species (e.g., age-specific reproduction and mortality; gene dispersal distances; rates of selfing, etc.). The program conducts matings with consequent offspring establishment such that the virtual population develops through generations as constrained by the input. Output statistics allow comparisons of population development for populations that differ in one or more input conditions. Here, with NEWGARDEN analyses modeling a triennial species, we show that rescue population project managers will often have to carefully consider the geometric placement of founders to minimize effort expended while maximizing population growth and conservation of genetic diversity, such considerations being heavily dependent on the life history characteristics of particular species.
Three obstacles to validating the Verbal-Imager Subtest of the Cognitive Styles Analysis

Abstract Although the Verbal-Imager Subtest of the Cognitive Styles Analysis (CSA) has been widely used in research on verbal–visual cognitive style (Riding, 1998), the validity of the test has not been established. This review summarizes evidence that the test lacks three types of validity: (1) face validity, in that its surface features do not appear to be related to an underlying theory, (2) construct validity, in that it fails to correlate with other known measures of verbal–visual cognitive style, and (3) predictive validity, in that it fails to predict the behavior of learners. Until the validity of the Verbal-Imager Subtest of the CSA can be established, its value in cognitive style research can be called into question.
Fire regimes of the piñon―juniper woodlands of Big Bend National Park and the Davis Mountains, west Texas, USA

While pinon woodlands cover much of arid North America, surprisingly little is known about the role of fire in maintaining pinon forest structure and species composition. The lack of region-specific fire regime data for pinon–juniper woodlands presents a roadblock to managers striving to implement process-based management. This study characterized pinon–juniper fire regimes and forest stand dynamics in Big Bend National Park (BIBE) and the Davis Mountains Preserve of the Nature Conservancy (DMTNC) in west Texas. Mean fire return intervals were 36.5 and 11.2 years for BIBE and DMTNC, respectively. Point fire return intervals were 150 years at BIBE and 75 years at DMTNC. Tree regeneration in west Texas pinon–juniper woodlands occurred historically during favorable climatic conditions following fire years. The presence of multiple fire scars on our fire-scar samples and the multicohort stands of pinon suggested that low intensity fires were common. This study represents one of the few fire-scar-based fire re...
Mean time for target acquisition in collaborative search with multiple imaging sensors

In this paper the mean time to acquire a stationary target by n stationary imaging sensors is computed using probability theory by making use of the well established result that the detection time for a single imaging sensor is a random variable from an exponential probability density function. Each imaging sensor is characterized by a separate P∞ value which describes the probability an observer using that sensor will eventually acquire the target and a separate t value which describes the mean time to acquire the target using that sensor. There is no restriction on the wavelength band used by the imaging sensor. There are no empirical constants in the model presented here and the results are in agreement with and generalize previously published equations. The newly developed equations have been verified by numerical simulations and also yield the expected mean detection time for all limiting values of the input parameters. The code used in the numerical simulations is exhibited. For any given scenario, the separate τ observer-sensor-target parameters P∞ and t can be estimated using the NV-IPM model or measured in perception experiments. Thus the input parameters needed by the model are generally available. Comparing results presented here with results from war game simulations such as OneSAF may improve the quality of both products.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 (HSV-1) Entry into Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Is Heavily Dependent on Heparan Sulfate

Hematopoietic stem cells recipients remain susceptible to opportunistic viral infections including herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1). The purpose of this investigation was to analyze susceptibility of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to HSV-1 infection and identify the major entry receptor. Productive virus infection in hMSCs was confirmed by replication and plaque formation assays using a syncytial HSV-1 KOS (804) virus. To examine the significance of entry receptors, RT-PCR and antibody-blocking assays were performed. RT-PCR data showed the expression of gD receptors: nectin-1, 3-O sulfotransferase-3 (3-OST-3), and HVEM. Antibody-blocking assay together with heparinase treatment suggested an important role for HS and 3-O-sulfated heparan sulfate (3-OS HS), but not nectin-1 or HVEM, in mediating HSV-1 entry and spread in hMSCs. Taken together, our results provide strong evidence demonstrating that HSV-1 is capable of infecting hMSCs and HS and 3-OS HS serve as its entry receptors during this process.
Interparticulate coke formation during hydrocarbon cracking on zeolite catalysts

A thermogravimetric study of coking of various C6–C7 hydrocarbons on HY and REY zeolites was performed using a Cahn microbalance modified to allow in-situ measurements of catalyst weight changes during reaction under flow conditions. Mass transfer effects during the reaction were found to play an important role in the coking process of the static catalyst bed. The results indicate that catalytic coke can form in the void space between zeolite particles in such a way as to deter molecular diffusion through the catalyst bed. On a fait une etude thermogravimetrique de la cokefaction de divers hydrocarbures en C6–C7 sur des zeolithes HY et REY, en employant une microbalance Cahn modifiee pour permettre des mesures in situ des variations du poids du catalyseur lors de la reaction en ecoulement continu. On a trouve que les effets du transfert de masse durant la reaction jouent un role important dans le processus de cokefaction du lit statique du catalyseur. Les resultats indiquent que le coke catalytique peut se former dans l'espace vide entre les particules des zeolithes, de maniere a empecher la diffusion moleculaire dans le lit de catalyseur.
Hymenolepis diminuta: One of three enteric pathogens isolated from a child

Abstract This article describes a case of enteritis in a 3.5-yr-old child with persistent diarrhea and the isolation of three gastrointestinal pathogens, including a rare human pathogen Hymenolepisdiminuta (rat tapeworm). This is the first reported case in the northeastern United States in 20 yr and demonstrates that persons living in homes infested with rodents and arthropods are at risk of acquiring this infection.