cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficient and Robust Computation of Resource Clusters in the Internet

Applications such as parallel computing, online games, and content distribution networks need to run on a set of resources with particular network connection characteristics to get good performance. We present an efficient heuristic algorithm to find a set of resources with the property that the network latency between any pair of those resources is less (or more) than a given value in the Internet. Our algorithm proceeds in two phases: (1) we use a network flow technique to partition resources into clusters based on end-to-end network latency such that resources in a cluster have much smaller latency with each other than with other resource; then (2) we search for required resources in these clusters. We evaluate this method in a large distributed Internet environment, PlanetLab, and show that our method can improve the performance of current search algorithms remarkably. We also show that our method is robust despite incomplete and noisy latency measurement data
Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, a hyperviscosity manifestation of venous stasis retinopathy.

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is characterized by hyperviscosity. This is usually the result of an increased serum concentration of IgM molecules; this paraprotein has a high molecular weight and unusual shape. The changes in shear rate associated with increased IgM concentrations produces maximal viscosity in the venous circulation.
Review of strobilurin fungicide chemicals

Strobilurins are natural products isolated and identified from specific fungi. Natural strobilurins were named in the order of their discovery as strobilurin-A followed by strobilurin-B, C, D etc. Their discovery opened the door for new chemistry of synthetic fungicides. Applying Quantitative Structural Activity Relationship (QSAR) on the structures of the natural strobilurins, many pesticide companies were able to discover many synthetic analogues that are more efficacious and more stable fungicides. At present there are about eight synthetic strobilurins in the fungicides worldwide market. Some of these products are worldwide registered for use as agrochemical and some are in the process of registration. This class of fungicides is relatively new, as crop protection products and information about them is still fairly scarce. In this review, syntheses and chemistry of natural and synthetic strobilurins are discussed. Also, the mode of action, efficacy, biotic/abiotic degradation, analytical methods, and agricultural uses are discussed.
Yield and Quality of Irrigated Bermudagrass as a Function of Nitrogen Rate

Published in Agron. J. 106:1489–1496 (2014) doi:10.2134/agronj13.0580 Available freely online through the author-supported open access option. Copyright © 2014 by the American Society of Agronomy, 5585 Guilford Road, Madison, WI 53711. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. ABSTRACT Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] is a perennial grass capable of producing a large amount of forage for either hay or grazing. Information on harvest frequency and rate of N for bermudagrass production is scarce for southwest Kansas. The objectives of this research were to determine economically and environmentally justified N rates for bermudagrass grown under supplemental irrigation (161–222 mm yr–1) and to determine annual harvest frequency. A field study was conducted from 2004 to 2007 near Rolla, KS, with five N rate treatments (0, 168, 336, 672, and 1344 kg N ha–1). On five harvest dates per year, biomass yield, feed quality, soil nutrient content, and soil pH were measured. Biomass yield was relatively high in the second, third, and fourth harvest dates out of five harvest dates within a year. In each of these five harvest dates, biomass yield increased with increasing N rates from 0 to 672 kg N ha–1. A quadratic curve explained 80% of the variation for the relationship between total annual biomass yield of bermudagrass and N rate. The maximum average total annual dry matter production of about 18.5 Mg ha–1 was possible with 900 kg N ha–1. The economic N rate that confers profit, however, varied from about 120 to 600 kg ha–1 depended on value of bermudagrass forage and variable cost of production. An increase in N rate from 0 to 672 kg N ha–1 also increased protein content and biomass feed quality without adversely affecting soil quality.
Using statistical control charts for software quality control

This paper describes the use of Shewhart U charts for controlling software quality while the software is under development. A parallel between the software development process and a complex manufacturing process is developed. This allows the use of statistical control charts to monitor the software development process. The general approach is to let observed defect data represent a sample of the true but unknown state of the entire software project. Software quality data so obtained can be used to derive a meaningful statistical interpretation of the state of the development project. Based upon this interpretation management can take action to improve the overall software quality while in the development stages.
Improved model of the TI deformable mirror device

The operational characteristics of two alternative types of deformable mirror device (DMD) for optical signal processing applications, respectively designated the 'cantilever beam-inverted cloverleaf' and the 'flexure-hinged piston-type', have been simulated by full-scale parallel computer models. Attention is given to Fourier plane and correlation plane analysis results for each DMD type's use as an input device and as a phase-modulating filter device. Simulated system responses are evaluated for several correlator configurations, and the parallel algorithms used to both implement the models and perform the Fourier transforms are evaluated to ascertain the speed and effectiveness of the parallelism relative to serial algorithms.
Insecurity, stress, and symptoms of psychopathology: contrasting results from self-reports versus interviews of adult attachment

This report was designed to clarify links among self-reports of psychiatric symptomatology, stress, and adult attachment insecurity, as operationalized using measures drawn from both the developmental and social psychological literatures. Based on a sample of 160 college students, this study demonstrated that insecurity reflected in the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) was associated with self-reports of psychiatric symptomatology principally for individuals experiencing high levels of life stress (consistent with a diathesis-stress model) whereas self-reports of attachment-related avoidance and anxiety correlated robustly with psychopathology under conditions of both relatively high and low life stress (consistent with a risk model). Results provide further evidence that social psychological and developmental approaches to the assessment of adult attachment-related variation are associated with domains of adaptation central to Bowlby's account of human development in empirically distinct ways.
Determination of constants of a Two-Leaf multi-scale photosynthesis model using a genetic algorithm

Photosynthesis is a well studied process and has been simulated at different scales using mechanistic or empirical (or semi-mechanistic) models. Here we have presented a modified Two–Leaf model of photosynthesis which is a canopy scale model underpinned by a biochemical leaf model. The biochemical model is based on enzyme kinetics and is mechanistic while the canopy model uses a numerical integration scheme and is empirical. This model calculates the change in Leaf Area Index (LAI) during life span of the plant and simulates growth with increase in LAI and senescence with reduction in LAI. Thus the Daily Carbon Gain (DCG) of the plant can be determined from emergence to senescence.
Intrathoracic airway measurement: ex-vivo validation

High-resolution x-ray CT (HRCT) provides detailed images of the lungs and bronchial tree. HRCT-based imaging and quantitation of peripheral bronchial airway geometry provides a valuable tool for assessing regional airway physiology. Such measurements have been sued to address physiological questions related to the mechanics of airway collapse in sleep apnea, the measurement of airway response to broncho-constriction agents, and to evaluate and track the progression of disease affecting the airways, such as asthma and cystic fibrosis. Significant attention has been paid to the measurements of extra- and intra-thoracic airways in 2D sections from volumetric x-ray CT. A variety of manual and semi-automatic techniques have been proposed for airway geometry measurement, including the use of standardized display window and level settings for caliper measurements, methods based on manual or semi-automatic border tracing, and more objective, quantitative approaches such as the use of the 'half-max' criteria. A recently proposed measurements technique uses a model-based deconvolution to estimate the location of the inner and outer airway walls. Validation using a plexiglass phantom indicates that the model-based method is more accurate than the half-max approach for thin-walled structures. In vivo validation of these airway measurement techniques is difficult because of the problems in identifying a reliable measurement 'gold standard.' In this paper we report on ex vivo validation of the half-max and model-based methods using an excised pig lung. The lung is sliced into thin sections of tissue and scanned using an electron beam CT scanner. Airways of interest are measured from the CT images, and also measured with using a microscope and micrometer to obtain a measurement gold standard. The result show no significant difference between the model-based measurements and the gold standard; while the half-max estimates exhibited a measurement bias and were significantly different than the gold standard.
Dynamic Aspects of Cholesterol Metabolism in Different Areas of the Aorta and Other Tissues in Man and Their Relationship to Atherosclerosis

Tracer doses of cholesterol-4-C 14 were administered to each of 8 patients with limited life expectancies. Chemical determinations of free and esterified cholesterol and determinations of their C 14 -specific activities were made in serially collected sera, in tissues, and in the different layers of the abdominal aorta, the intimas of which were separated where possible, into normal-appearing intima, thickened intima, and free-lying lipid material. The turnover times of the free and esterified cholesterol fractions of the various tissues and the portions of those fractions derived from the plasma and by synthesis were calculated from these data. The plasma and liver free cholesterol fractions were in equilibrium at the earliest time, 2.5 days. The free cholesterol fractions of other tissues were in equilibrium with the plasma free cholesterol at later dates. The esterified cholesterol fractions of the various tissues, including liver, were in equilibrium with that of the plasma at later dates than were their free fractions. The findings indicate that a large portion of the cholesterol ester of the plasma is not derived from the liver. The greater part of both the free and ester cholesterols of other tissues was derived from the plasma, although a significant portion was derived by synthesis, except for both fractions of skeletal muscle. The adrenal glands were the most active in the synthesis of free cholesterol. The data indicate that a major portion of adrenal cortical hormones is synthesized directly from acetate, without cholesterol as an intermediary product. A major portion of the cholesterol of the intima was derived from plasma through interchange but a considerable amount of cholesterol was synthesized in the intima. The free-lying lipids in the intima appeared to be inert. Data concerning the changes of the lipid contents of the intima with the development of atherosclerosis have been presented. One patient, who died of a second myocardial infarction, differed from the others in having a longer turnover time of the cholesterol of his intima.
Expanding motion programs under input constraints

We explore the effect that bounded inputs have when we specifying sequences of control laws for driving a linear, dynamical system through intermediary equilibrium points. These sequences, given in the Motion Description Language (MDL) formalism, may not be feasible in that they may violate the bounded input constraints. To overcome this problem, we augment the MDL sequences by inserting extra control modes, resulting in a new motion program that does in fact satisfy the input constraints. We first consider the problem of “compiling” the motion program for feasibility, and then propose a method that constructs new motion programs based on the input bounds, system dynamics, and task design goals.
GROWTH AND CRIME IN CONTIGUOUS STATES OF MEXICO

In the last five years, thousands of businesses have closed in Mexico and thousands of Mexicans have moved away from the crime and violence brought on by the recent drug wars between cartels. Investment, growth, and development have also been negatively affected. Using a spatial model, this study found that growth in real per capita GDP for states in Mexico was positively related to growth in neighboring states of Mexico, negatively related to crime in surrounding states, and positively related to crime within the state in the previous year. Policy suggestions to promote state growth and development in Mexico include a national effort to resolve the drug war and the establishment of joint projects between states.
Electric Field-Induced First Order Raman Scattering in Alkali Halides

A shell model calculation suggests that, for electric fields of 2.5 × 105 V/cm, field-induced first order Raman scattering cross-sections may be only about two to three orders of magnitude smaller than those for second order Raman scattering. Eine Schalenmodellrechnung sagt Streuquerschnitte fur den feldinduzierten Ramaneffekt erster Ordnung vorher, die bei elektrischen Feldern von 2,5 × 105 V/cm nur etwa zwei bis drei Grosenordnungen kleiner sind als fur Ramanstreuung zweiter Ordnung.
Sol–gel processing of hydroxyapatite

Hydroxyapatite, a calcium phosphate-based compound with numerous applications in the biological field was synthesized using the sol–gel processing route. The formation of hydroxyapatite and other compounds during the heat-treatment cycle were identified and characterized using thermal analyses and X-ray diffraction together with infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The influence of the addition of various organic alcohols (R–OH, R=CH3–, C2H5– and C3H8–) on the reaction results was studied. © 1998 Kluwer Academic Publishers
Solid state intermetallic compound growth between copper and high temperature, tin-rich solders—part II: modelling

The solder/base metal interfacial chemistry characterizing solder joints impacts the manufacturability and reliability of electronic components. A model was developed to predict the long-term diffusion-controlled growth of interfacial intermetallic compound layers using short-term experimental data. The model included terms for both constant and variable diffusion coefficients. Application of the model was demonstrated using parameter values for 100Sn/Cu system and comparing calculated layer thicknesses with the experimentally observed values. The early time data for the 100Sn/Cu system that were used to predict growth at longer times were characterized using a variable diffusion coefficient that was an empirical function of layer thickness.
Preservation of Fertility in Patients with Cancer

The increasing number of young survivors of cancer who have favorable outcomes necessitates planning for the preservation of fertility, which may mean modifying the strategy for oncologic treatment. In addition to in vitro fertilization in women and sperm banking in men, new methods on the horizon include in vitro follicle maturation and techniques for tissue transplantation.
Genetic influences on tolerance development with chronic oxotremorine infusion

Mice of four inbred strains (BALB, C57BL, DBA and C3H) were administered either saline or oxotremorine, a muscarinic agonist, at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg/hr by constant infusion through cannulas implanted in the right jugular veins. Chronic treatment resulted in the development of tolerance to the effects of oxotremorine both on rotarod performance and on body temperature. For drug-treated BALB mice, the dose-response curves for both measures were parallel to those for saline-treated mice, while for DBA and C3H mice the slopes of the dose-response curves were significantly less for treated mice than they were for controls. The equi-effective doses for the drug-treated animals were at least 8-fold greater than those for saline-treated mice. Drug treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the total number of muscarinic receptors in cortex as measured by the binding of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) without effect on the KD for this ligand. Similarly, drug treatment did not affect the affinity of carbamylcholine as an inhibitor of QNB binding, but did significantly decrease the levels of both the high- and low-affinity agonist binding sites in cortex. The number of M1 muscarinic receptors measured by high affinity [3H]pirenzepine (PZ) binding was also significantly decreased in cortex without effect on the KD. The experiments were extended to five other brain regions. Full saturation curves were not constructed, however. Oxotremorine treatment significantly reduced QNB binding in every brain region. While the binding to agonist affinity states measured by carbamylcholine inhibition of QNB binding and M1 receptor levels measured by high affinity PZ binding tended to decrease with oxotremorine treatment not all changes were statistically significant. The changes in muscarinic receptor subtype levels induced by oxotremorine infusion did not differ among the strains. The results demonstrate that chronic treatment with a muscarinic agonist results in substantial tolerance to the effects of the drug in all four mouse strains. Although some differences in tolerance development exist, these differences are not readily explained by differences in the number or affinity states of brain muscarinic receptors.
Effects of Frequency Spectrum Allocation on Successful Integration of Unmanned Systems into Disaster Response Operations

Wireless radio and unmanned systems are two technologies that can be applied towards supporting the operations of public safety agencies. The broad deployment of public safety wireless radio systems has provided individual agencies with a communications capability able to support the needs of daily operations; the method of deployment has contributed to the same wireless technology failing to support the full range of unique communication needs required during disaster response operations in the multi-agency spectrum environment. To resolve these problems, efforts are currently underway towards coordinating further public safety wireless deployment by way of introducing broad-agency communications interoperability standards. Unmanned systems differ from public safety radio in relative level of current deployment but are similar in their necessity to operate within the multi-agency spectrum environment when supporting disaster response operations. As efforts continue towards further deployment of unmanned systems to different individual public safety agencies, an understanding of what will be required to operate in the multi-agency environment and the resultant effect on system performance will facilitate more successful integration of the unmanned technology into disaster response operations. Towards that end, a model for the system wireless link and communication performance measures important to public safety use of unmanned systems are presented. Using empirical data of wireless signal loss in a practical public-safety operating environment as input to the model, analysis was performed for different regions of the frequency spectrum. Direct comparison of model outputs indicates towards degradation in system performance when higher wireless frequencies are used for constrained systems operating within the examined environment.
Male alcoholics, secondary psychopathy and Eysenck's theory of personality

Abstract The scores of several samples of male alcoholics and others on the MAC Scale (an MMPI-derived scale for the differentiation of male alcohol abusers from non-substance-abusing male psychiatric outpatients) are summarized, and the responses of the false negatives and false positives from the scale's standardization samples are analyzed. The following 7conclusions were reached: (1) There are two broad classes of male alcoholics—those who fall into the E + N + quadrant of secondary psychopathy and those who fall into the E - N + quadrant of neurotic introversion; (2) Unselected runs of male alcoholics populate these two quadrants in a quite stable ratio of 17 to 3, respectively; (3) Pari passu, Eysenck's placement of alcoholics in the E + N + quadrant will be upheld in approximately 85% of the cases while those who hold that alcoholics are ‘dysthymics who also drink too much’ will find themselves in error in approximately similar degree.
Ab initio calculations of the structures and energies of gas phase isomeric C3N4 molecules

Abstract Ab initio calculations, including electron correlation, have been performed with split-valence plus polarization basis sets for isomeric C3N4 gas phase structures. The minimum energy configuration at the MP2(FC)/6-31G∗ level of theory is a linear chain rather than the tricyanoamine structure suggested in the literature. The latter, a planar structure, is predicted to lie 8.55 kcal mol−1 higher in energy, while a pyramidal configuration is 5.13 kcal mol−1 above the planar isomer. This is the first reported comparison of the possible gas phase C3N4 isomers, which could be important to the current efforts in the production of the crystalline material β-C3N4.
Corrosion in Low and High Temperature Fuel Cells—An Overview

Abstract Fuel cell anodes operate in a reducing atmosphere, whereas cathodes operate under strongly oxidizing conditions, in difficult electrolytic environments. Electrochemical corrosion can limit...
PREPARATION AND SUPERCONDUCTIVITY OF NEW 214-TYPE CUPRATES (La1.85−xCa0.15Ax)CuO4−y (A=Bi, Pb or Tl)

Single-phase 214-type cuprates (La1.70Ca0.15Bi0.15)CuO4−y and (La1.70Ca0.15Pb0.15) CuO4−y have been successfully synthesized and identified by X-ray diffraction analyses. The former has a superconducting onset temperature of about 35 K which is higher than that of (La1.85Ca0.15)CuO4−y, whereas the latter does not show superconductivity down to 20 K. Further introduction of Tl into La-site in (La,Ca)2CuO4-type cuprates can reduce the formation temperature of this kind of compounds, but neither (La1.50Ca0.15Bi0.15Tl0.20)CuO4−y nor (La1.50Ca0.15Pb0.15Tl0.20)CuO4−y shows superconductivity.
Space Shuttle main engine nozzle-steerhorn dynamics

On two occasions during the Space Shuttle main engine development, the LH2 feedline (called the steerhorn, because of its shape) failed during the cutoff transient. A dynamic test was undertaken, and an analytical model was developed and correlated to the dynamic test. Detailed models of the tube bundle were required to obtain the equivalent shell coefficients. All-shell models of the nozzle wall were found better than beam-shell models. The most difficult part of the structure to simulate was the felt-metal pad between the feedline and its mount, which introduced nonlinear stiffness and damping and led to the use of separate low amplitude and high amplitude models. The total structure was found to have 400 modes in the frequency range of interest, 0 to 500 Hz. Good test analysis correlation was obtained and a modified feedline configuration was found to demonstrate a 40% reduction of response stress from the original configuration.
Controlled synthesis of a structurally characterized family of sterically constrained heterocyclic alkoxy-modified titanium alkoxides.

The reaction of [Ti(μ-ONep)(ONep)3]2 (ONep = OCH2C(CH3)3) with a series of heterocyclic methanol derivatives [tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (H−OTHF), thiophene methanol (H−OTPM), or 2-pyridylcarbinol (H−OPy)collectively termed H−OR*], led to the isolation of a novel family of OR*-substituted titanium alkoxide precursors. Independent of the initial stoichiometry for the H−OTHF reaction, a monosubstituted, dinuclear species was isolated as [(ONep)3Ti(μc-OTHF)]2 (1). For 1, each Ti was octahedrally (Oh) bound by three terminal ONep ligands, one bidentate bridging OTHF ligand (μc-OTHF), and an oxygen from the other μc-OTHF ligand. For the OTPM derivatives, the product was identified as [(ONep)3Ti(μ-OTPM)]2 (2). For this ligand, the soft S atom does not bind to the Ti but the O atom does act as a bridge between the two trigonal bipyramidal bound Ti metal centers. The OPy system yielded (OPy)2Ti(OR)2 independent of the OR and the stoichiometry used [OR = ONep (3), OCHMe2 (4), OCMe3 (5)]. For 3−5, the two OPy ligan...
Sacropelvic fixation: techniques and complications.

Study design Literature-based topic review. Objective To review the indications and techniques for different sacropelvic fixation methods and to outline important associated complications. Summary of background data Despite all the advances and new developments in spinal instrumentation techniques, fixation at the lumbosacral junction continues to be one of the important challenges to spine surgeons. The poor bone quality of the sacrum, the complex regional anatomy, and the tremendous biomechanical forces at the lumbosacral junction contribute to the high rates of instrumentation-related problems. Although many techniques for sacropelvic fixation have been attempted, only a few are still widely used because of the high rate of complications associated with some of those techniques. Methods Review of literature and expert opinion. Conclusion There are many indications for sacropelvic fixation. Long fusions to the sacrum are the most common reasons for extending the instrumentation to the pelvis. Spinal surgeons performing complex spinal reconstruction should be familiar with the currently available techniques, including their potential risks and complications. Surgical treatment decisions should be based on an individual patient's anatomy and abnormalities, and on the surgeon's experience.
Choroid Plexus Carcinoma in Siblings: A Study by Light and Electron Microscopy with Ki-67 Immunocytochemistry

Choroid plexus carcinomas in siblings aged 11 months and 10 years were examined by light microscopy and immunocytochemistry. One case was studied by electron microscopy. Choroid plexus carcinoma is rare, with approximately 24 reported cases in children. Predicting the behavior of choroid plexus tumors from the histology can be difficult. Neither mitoses nor necrosis were seen in one case, but evaluation of proliferation using Ki-67 monoclonal antibody showed 9% of the cells to be in proliferative phases of the cell cycle, a high value for a glial-derived neoplasm. Ki-67 activity may be a more sensitive measure of proliferation in malignant choroid plexus tumors than the presence of mitoses and necrosis, and additional studies may establish its role in distinguishing between choroid plexus carcinoma and papilloma when histologic classification is equivocal. Both tumors were immunoreactive for keratin, which confirmed previous studies. Both were nonreactive for glial fibrillary acidic protein, S-100, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), unlike a previous study which reported that choroid plexus carcinoma, compared to papilloma, was uniquely S-100-negative and CEA-positive. Choroid plexus carcinoma in siblings has not been reported. Chance occurrence in siblings is extremely unlikely; thus a genetic basis for the neoplasms is likely, although environmental influences cannot be excluded.
Bovine Manure as an Overwintering Medium for Coleoptera in South Dakotay

During the winter of 1966–67, cow dung specimens from 2 South Dakota areas were collected and their included coleopterous fauna were determined. These are the first studies of this medium as an overwintering habitat for these insects in the State. From 4 dung samples, beetles of 10 families were discovered. All were in the adult stage, except 4 larval specimens of Cantharidae. The imagoes included 2 species of Carabidae, 2 Hydrophilidae, 4 Staphylinidae, 1 Ptiliidae, 2 Scarabaeidae, 2 Anthicidae, 2 Orthoperidae, 2 Lathridiidae, and 2 Curculionidae.
Ectopic expression of CD74 in Ikkβ-deleted mouse hepatocytes

CD74, a Type II membrane glycoprotein and MHC class II chaperone involved in antigen processing, is normally expressed by cells associated with the immune system. CD74 also forms heterodimers with CD44 to generate receptors to macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a proinflammatory cytokine. Following targeted Alb-Cre-mediated deletion of Ikkβ in Ikkβ(Δhep) mice (Ikkβ(F/F):Alb-Cre, a strain highly susceptible to chemically induced hepatotoxicity and hepatocarcinogenesis), CD74 is expressed abundantly by adult hepatocytes throughout liver acini, albeit more intensely in midzonal-to-centrilobular regions. By comparison, CD74 expression is not observed in Ikkβ(F/F) hepatocytes, nor is it augmented in the livers of Ikkβ(+/+):Alb-Cre mice; CD74 is barely detectable in cultured embryonic fibroblasts from Ikkβ(-/-) mice. Microarray profiling shows that constitutive CD74 expression in Ikkβ(Δhep) hepatocytes is accompanied by significantly augmented expression of CD44 and key genes associated with antigen processing and host defense, including MHC class II I-Aα, I-Aβ, and I-Eβ chains, CIITA and CD86. Taken together, these observations suggest that Ikkβ(Δhep) hepatocytes might express functional capacities for class II-restricted antigen presentation and heightened responsiveness to MIF-signaling, and also suggest further roles for intrahepatocellular IKKβ in the suppression or inactivation of molecules normally associated with the formation and differentiation of cells of the immune system.
Classification of HIV infection and disease in women from Rwanda. Evaluation of the World Health Organization HIV staging system and recommended modifications.

Objective: To develop a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) staging system for sub-Saharan Africa on the basis of an evaluation of the World Health Organization (WHO) system and predictors of mortal...
Photoelectrochemical performance of CdSe nanorod arrays grown on a transparent conducting substrate.

Perpendicularly aligned semiconducting CdSe nanorod arrays were fabricated on ITO-coated glass substrate using porous aluminum oxide (PAO) as a hard template. Nanorod lengths were varied between 50 and 500 nm, while keeping the diameter at 65 nm. The electrochemical photovoltaic performance was found to depend critically on nanorod length and crystallinity. Arrays of rods annealed at 500 °C showed an order of magnitude improvement in white light power conversion efficiency over unannealed samples. The largest power conversion efficiency of 0.52% was observed for nanorods 445 ± 82 nm in length annealed at 500 °C. The technique described is generally applicable to fabricating highly aligned nanorods of a broad range of materials on a robust transparent conductor.
Routin screening for gestational diabetes in white, black, and Mexican-American teenagers

Abstract This study assesses the frequency of gestational diabetes in a multiethnic teenage pregnancy clinc. One hundred thirty-seven women age 12–18 years were screened with a 1-hour 50-gm glucola test at 24–34 weeks gestation. Screening tests were positive in 5.8% of these teenagers, of whom half were obese. Gestational diabetes was documented in two primiparas (1.4%). Maternal weight gain was excessive in 54%, and 8.7% of the total group had macrosomic infants. We conclude that gestational diabetes should be screened for in all young pregnant women with the screening test recommended by the Second International Workshop-Conference on Gestational Diabetes.
Modification of an EMP Facility to Support Threshold Testing of Electronic Systems

The naval ordnance transient electromagnetic simulator (NOTES) is a bounded wave test facility located at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD). NOTES was designed to enable standardized electromagnetic pulse (EMP) testing, but in order to support tests to assess the vulnerability of US infrastructure to High-altitude EMP (HEMP) it was modified to enable threshold testing with peak amplitudes of 1 kV/m up to 100 kV/m while maintaining nominally the same temporal characteristics of the threat waveform. The range of amplitude was accomplished using three different voltage pulser configurations which provided nearly continuous variability. This paper provides a detailed description of the NOTES facility and the design, implementation, and results of these modifications. We present the waveforms that were used during testing and show that they provided a consistent stimulus both in terms of the overall waveform shape and in the critical risetime characteristic.
Human chorionic gonadotropin and the thyroid: hyperemesis gravidarum and trophoblastic tumors

There is abundant evidence that human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a weak thyrotropin (TSH) agonist. In FRTL-5 rat thyroid cells, hCG increases cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), iodide transport, and cell growth. hCG has thyroid-stimulating activity in bioassays in mice and in clinical studies in man. In cultured cells transfected with the human TSH receptor, hCG increases generation of cAMP. Molecular variants of hCG with increased thyrotropic potency include basic molecules with reduced sialic acid content, truncated molecules lacking the C-terminal tail, or molecules in which the 47-48 peptide bond in the beta-subunit loop is nicked. In normal pregnancy, when hCG levels are highest at 10 to 12 weeks gestation, there is suppression of serum TSH levels, presumably due to slight increases in free thyroxine (T4) concentration. In twin pregnancies, hCG levels tend to be higher and suppressed TSH levels are more frequent. Hyperemesis gravidarum, defined as severe vomiting in early pregnancy that causes 5% weight loss and ketonuria, is usually associated with increased hCG concentration. A high proportion of patients with hyperemesis gravidarum, about one-third to two-thirds in different series, have evidence of increased thyroid function. Only a small proportion of these patients have clinical hyperthyroidism, termed gestational thyrotoxicosis. These patients probably secrete a variant of hCG with increased thyroid-stimulating activity. Trophoblastic tumors, hydatidiform mole, and choriocarcinoma often cause hyperthyroidism because they secrete very large amounts of hCG. When the serum hCG exceeds about 200 IU/mL, hyperthyroidism is likely to be found. There is a correlation between the biochemical severity of hyperthyroidism and the serum hCG in these patients. Removal of the mole or effective chemotherapy of the choriocarcinoma cures the hyperthyroidism. In conclusion, hCG has thyroid-stimulating activity that influences thyroid function early in pregnancy when hCG levels are high. Excessive hCG secretion may cause hyperthyroidism in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum or trophoblastic tumors.
Activation of sorghum uridine-5′-diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase by other ribonucleoside-5′-diphosphate compounds

Abstract This investigation was conducted to determine the effect of ribonucleoside-5′-diphosphate derivatives of glucose other than UDPG upon the activity of UDPG pyrophosphorylase obtained from etiolated sorghum seedlings. UDPG pyrophosphorylase was isolated and partially purified on DEAE-cellulose. No ADPG, GDPG or TDPG pyrophosphorylase activities could be found in either the supernatant solution after centrifuging it at 30,000g or in the partially purified fraction. High concentrations of pyrophosphate was shown to inhibit the rate of formation of α- d -glucose-1-phosphate from UDPG. This inhibition was not observed when ADPG was added to the reaction medium. Furthermore, ADPG increased the apparent activity of the enzyme at low pyrophosphate concentrations. It was shown that this activation was not the result of activation of an ADPG pyrophosphorylase by UDPG. Other adenine nucleotides (ATP, ADP and 5′-AMP) had no effect on the partially purified pyrophosphorylase. Although GDPG increased the rate of α- d -glucose-1-phosphate formation in the crude extract, it had no effect on the partially purified enzyme preparation.
Jeffrey's rule of conditioning with various forms for uncertainty

We extend Jeffrey's rule of conditioning by allowing alternative formulations for the uncertainty about conditioning variable.We consider the case where our uncertainty is expressed in terms of a measure.We look at case where our uncertainty about conditioning variable is expressed in terms of Dempster-Shafer belief structure. We first introduce Jeffrey's rule of conditioning and explain how it allows us to determine the probability of an event related to one variable from information about a collection of conditional probabilities of that event conditioned on the state another variable. We note that in the original Jeffrey paradigm we have the uncertainty about the state of the conditioning variable expressed as a probability distribution. Here we extend this by allowing alternative formulations for the uncertainty about the conditioning variable. We first consider the case where our uncertainty is expressed in terms of a measure. This allows us to consider the case where our uncertainty is a possibility distribution. We next consider the case where our uncertainty about the conditioning variable is expressed in terms of a Dempster-Shafer belief structure. Finally we consider the case where we are ignorant about the underlying distribution and must use the decision maker's subjective attitude about the nature of uncertainty to provide the necessary information to use in the Jeffrey rule.
TSS/360: a time-shared operating system

Experience with TSS/360 design, development, and application has been varied and interesting. For example, as we began putting the initial system together, significant performance problems were observed that had not been predicted by the earlier simulation efforts. These problems had not been anticipated because the paging characteristics assumed in the model development were significantly better than the actual system characteristics.
Health Aspects of Air Pollution.

(1962). Health Aspects of Air Pollution. Archives of Environmental Health: An International Journal: Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 221-229.
On the numerical solution of degenerate linear and nonlinear elliptic boundary value problems.

Numerical solution for variety of nonlinear degenerate elliptic boundary value problems, and convergence of associated iterative procedures
Response Error and Questioning Technique in Surveys of Earnings Information

Abstract This article compares two questioning techniques for securing earnings information. Two broad earnings questions and detailed work history information were asked of 300 residents of low income neighborhoods. Systematic differences, based on the level of earnings, the age and the number of jobs of the respondents, were found between the estimates from the two techniques. When the estimates were compared with employer earnings data, it was found that for surveys dealing primarily with urban, low income neighborhoods, the broad question approach was as accurate as the work history method, and therefore, was preferable because of its lower cost and greater ease of use. For surveys of higher income groups, however, the work history approach provided more accurate earnings estimates. Here, the researcher will have to weigh the improved accuracy of the work history against its disadvantages. The relative response errors using the two approaches are presented to facilitate this decision.
Epidemiology of atrial fibrillation: A current perspective

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) increases with age. Recent population-based data indicate a trend of increasing incidence and prevalence of AF that is incompletely explained by an aging population. A recent population study estimated that the number of Americans afflicted by AF will increase from the current 2.3 million to more than 10 million by 2050. Novel risk factors—obesity and sleep apnea—may partially account for the current AF epidemic. Ethnic differences in the epidemiology of AF have been suggested but not clearly elucidated by population-based studies. The heritability of AF in the general population is strongly supported by population-based data. Genetic epidemiological studies on AF can potentially yield important mechanistic insights that may ultimately lead to novel preventative and therapeutic strategies.
Design of a 500-KJ Capacitor Bank Module for EML Materials Testing

The U.S. Navy is considering the development of an electromagnetic launcher (EML) for surface-fire support and other missions[1]. The EML system will need to have fire rates of 6-12 rounds per minute and barrel lifetimes approaching 10,000 rounds. The Naval Research Laboratory has initiated a program to develop and test materials to achieve these fire rates and lifetimes[2]. A facility is being assembled to allow testing of rail and armature materials at the high current density, pressure and sliding velocity of the Navy EML. The test system needs to operate over a large range of charging voltages and test configurations. The system also needs to deliver high reliability and reproducibility to accommodate the testing requirements. A 500-kJ module is being designed as the basic building block of the pulsed power system for the facility. Each module will supply up to 100 kA to the materials test system. The components being considered are similar to those proposed for a 200 MJ EML pulsed power system[3]. The capacitors are new, 125 kJ/can, 11-kV units from General Atomics Electronics Systems. The switching thyristors and crowbar diodes are from ABB. A series inductor of approximately 80 muH is used to limit the peak current to 100 kA and isolate modules from each other and to ensure that the current is delivered to the test system. It is expected that the solid-state components used for switching and crowbarring will provide the reliability and flexibility desired for the pulsed power system. The circuit is analyzed with the dynamic nature of the test system included. The rising inductance of the test must be included in the modeling to accurately reflect the action required from the switching and crowbar elements, and the fuses that are in series with capacitors. The physical layout of the banks is also being designed to provide highly compact modules while providing access for maintenance and repair. Results of the simulations will be presented, along with mechanical layout plans.
Molecule searches in Comet Kohoutek (1973f) at microwave frequencies

Nine transitions of the possible parent molecules H2O, NH3, CH3OH and N2O as well as the OH radical were searched for in Comet Kohoutek (1973f) in the frequency range 22.2-25.2 GHz. These molecules were not detected, but the upper limits for the optical depth, mean column density and the production rate are derived for each of the molecules. These results are discussed and compared with the reported detections of HCN and CH3CN emission and OH absorption.
On the use of implicit Runge-Kutta methods for the discretization of time domain integral equations

Implicit Runge-Kutta methods are applied to the temporal discretization of the time domain integral equations of electromagnetics. The method thus created is absolutely stable independent of time step, and (given an appropriate spatial discretization) higher-order convergent in both space and time. Numerical results will demonstrate the accuracy, efficacy, and stability of the the technique.
Structure and function of information centers: case studies of six organizations

Abstract The information center ( ic ) is a concept advocated by many information systems professionals for effectively supporting end-user computing. Detailed interviews with the managers of six ics and with users of ic services indicate that the structure and organizational location of the ic may effect its staffing, service mix, and vision of the future.
Endogenous aldosterone and corticosterone in brain cell nuclei of adrenal-intact rats: regional distribution and effects of physiological variations in serum steroids.

Abstract In vivo brain uptake of labeled aldosterone (ALD) and corticosterone (CORT) in adrenalectomized (ADX) rats indicates a strong cell-nuclear localization of both hormones, predominantly in the hippocampus. The primarily limbic concentration of these hormones is also supported by in vitro assays of ALD and CORT binding in cytosol from ADX rats. However, assays of binding in tissues from ADX rats often fail to account for the normal competition of assorted corticosteroids for binding sites in the adrenal-intact subject. Because the binding affinity of corticoid receptors for CORT is greater than, or equivalent to that for ALD, and plasma concentrations of CORT exceed ALD levels, it is possible that ALD is not actually concentrated by brain cell-nuclei in the normal, adrenal-intact subject. Moreover, description of the brain's in vivo regional uptake of ALD or CORT in ADX rats may reflect labeling of heterogenous binding sites by the single corticosteroid ligand ([3H]ALD or [3H]CORT) under investigation. Research using subcellular fractionation and radioimmunoassay (RIA) has demonstrated the presence of endogenously secreted CORT in brain cell nuclei of adrenal-intact rats, and confirmed the principally limbic localization of endogenous CORT in the brain. In the present study, subcellular fractionation and RIA were employed to determine whether endogenously secreted ALD is concentrated by cell nuclei of the brain in adrenal-intact rats, and to assess the regional variation in the brain's cell-nuclear uptake of endogenously secreted ALD. Cell-nuclear CORT levels were also measured in this experiment to assess the possible competition between ALD and CORT for brain cell-nuclear uptake. Circadian rhythms. stress and dietary sodium were utilized in this study to induce physiological variations in serum ALD and CORT. Endogenous ALD was found in the nuclear fraction of all brain tissues tested, indicating that ALD is bound and translocated to brain cell nuclei in the presence of normal corticosteroid competition. However, brain cell-nuclear ALD appeared not to vary as a function of physiological variation in serum ALD, suggesting that the receptor population was saturated under most normal circumstances. Unexpectedly, the highest cell-nuclear concentrations of endogenous ALD were found in the hypothalamus, rather than hippocampus. This finding suggests that the predominantly hippocampal localization of ALD observed in previous in vivo autoradiographic studies may have provided an inaccurate profile of the loci of ALD action in brain by failing to control for competitive binding by other corticosteroids in the adrenal-intact preparation.
Bayesian Estimation and Prediction Using Asymmetric Loss Functions

Abstract Estimators and predictors that are optimal relative to Varian's asymmetric LINEX loss function are derived for a number of well-known models. Their risk functions and Bayes risks are derived and compared with those of usual estimators and predictors. It is shown that some usual estimators, for example, a scalar sample mean or a scalar least squares regression coefficient estimator, are inadmissible relative to asymmetric LINEX loss by providing alternative estimators that dominate them uniformly in terms of risk.