cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A proposal to establish a pseudo virtual memory via writable overlays

Many computer systems solve executable storage size problems for large programs by using overlays. However, it appears that no one overlay scheme contains a well-balanced combination of the most useful capabilities which are found in various existing techniques. A proposal is presented which utilizes several of the best capabilities from existing schemes and is complemented by several additional features, e.g. writable overlays. The writable overlay capability provides a virtual memory effect, although the programmer may still be required to design the overlay configuration. Since overlay structuring is a complex task, several tools (including a graphic display) are included in the proposal in order to aid the programmer in the design. The content of overlays is briefly discussed, and it is noted that many of the details of the final overlay configuration may be decided after the fact.
Invasion of a One-Year Abandoned Field by Peromyscus Polionotus and Mus Musculus

Populations of Peromyscus polionotus and Mus musculus following invasion of a 9-acre cornfield abandoned for one year were inversely related. This inverse relationship, plus differences in habitat utilization, suggested interaction between the two species of rodents. Results showed that the interaction between populations of P. polionotus and M. musculus , observed by Caldwell (1964) and Caldwell and Gentry (1965) in fenced enclosures, may also occur in a natural situation where emigration and immigration are present. The P. polionotus population reached a peak in September 1963 and gradually declined to an unusually low level by February 1964. It is speculated that the quantity and quality of available food may have been a significant influence on the old-field mouse population and that M. musculus reacted opportunistically when the P. polionotus population declined. Whether this interaction was competition for food or space, aggressive competition between individuals or a more subtle relationship could not be determined.
CIOs Discuss the Role of IT in Organizational Change

Once looked upon as a back-ffice enabler, IT now is an important part of the business and stratetgic plan of many companies.
The positive chronotropic effects of Bay K-8644 and calcium as influenced by temperature.

Abstract The positive chronotropic effects of the dihydropyridine calcium agonist BAY K-8644 and calcium were studied in spontaneously beating right guinea-pig atria. Within the temperature range from 22 to 37°C, the following observations were made: (1) the basal pacemaker frequency increased linearly with the ambient temperature; (2) the increase in pacemaker rate produced by a maximally effective concentration of BAY K-8644 was of the same magnitude as that produced by calcium; (3) the increases in pacemaker rate produced by BAY K-8644 and by calcium were directly proportional to the increase in temperature above 22°C; and (4) at 37°C, the apparent ED50 for the positive chronotropic effect of calcium was 2.3 × 10−3 M and of BAY K-8644 was 0.7 × 10−7 M. At temperatures below 22°C, irregular pacemaking activity or complete arrest of pacemaking activity frequently occurred. The data are in strong support of the assumption that BAY K-8644 elicits its positive chronotropic effect by increasing the availability of calcium ions.
Foreign Policy Analysis and Globalization: Public Opinion, World Opinion, and the Individual

As commonly defined, international politics as a field examines the sources of conflict and cooperation between and among states and international actors within the international system. As a distinct branch of international politics, foreign policy analysis (FPA) considers a specific aspect of this larger question by focusing on the processes by which specific international actors (primarily state governments and leaders) make choices. Tracing back to the classic work of Richard Snyder and his collaborators (1962), the result has been an enormous literature on “how leaders, groups, and coalitions of actors can affect the way foreign policy problems are framed, the options that are selected, the choices that are made, and what gets implemented” (Hermann 2001b:1). In the coming years, the challenge for FPA will be to integrate ongoing transformations in international political structures and processes into theories regarding government processes and individual behaviors. During this transformative period, new processes will likely develop both across and within traditional state boundaries while at the same time the main actors will probably remain the same. As such, FPA will need to develop new understandings regarding the nature of policymaking among the various actors who create foreign policy. As for the international system, several overarching future visions of world politics have come to dominate popular intellectual discussion. Francis Fukuyama's (1992)“End of History” view suggests that liberalism, democracy, and the latter's emphasis on individual rights have triumphed ideologically over all competitors. In this vision, the future path of international affairs is an increasingly peaceful coexistence in a slowly enlarging democratic zone with potential conflicts existing between the democratic and nondemocratic zones. An apocalyptic vision comes from Robert Kaplan's (2000) analysis in which he suggests that societal breakdown in the developing world (characterized by poverty, inequality, instability, and strife) will eventually spread to …
Anti-microbial activities of aerosolized transition metal oxide nanoparticles

This study used the electrospray method to create airborne droplets of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) and examined their anti-microbial activities, employing Escherichia coli as a model microbial species. We tested the anti-microbial activities of six metal oxide NPs (NiO, ZnO, Fe(2)O(3), Co(3)O(4), CuO, and TiO(2)) in both an aqueous culture medium and an aerosol exposure mode (spraying the particles directly onto the cell surface). In the aqueous medium, the both NPs and stressed E. coli cells severely aggregated. Only NiO NPs (>20 mgL(-1)) showed significant growth inhibition of E. coli ( approximately 30%). In contrast to aqueous exposure, where the direct interactions between NPs and bacteria were limited, aerosol exposure of three metal oxide NPs to E. coli enhanced NP toxicity to cells and dramatically reduced cellular viability. Electrospraying NiO, CuO, or ZnO NPs (20 nm, 20 microg, in 10 min) reduced the total number of living E. coli by more than 88%, 77% and 71%, respectively (compared to the control experiments). However, TiO(2), Co(3)O(4), and Fe(2)O(3) NPs showed no significant antibacterial activities in either the aqueous exposure mode or the aerosol exposure mode. The above observations suggest the potential application of electrosprayed metal oxide NPs to disinfect airborne pathogens.
Growth Rates of Chironomids Collected from an Ephemeral Floodplain Wetland

Floodplains are dynamic wetlands that are constantly alternating between aquatic and terrestrial phases. To survive these conditions, aquatic invertebrates must have life history strategies allowing them to take advantage of inundation periods. One such strategy is growing rapidly and completing development before flood waters recede. We measured daily growth rates and development times of 7 chironomid species during April, June, and August using egg masses collected from the Sipsey River floodplain, west central Alabama, USA. Egg masses and resulting larvae were reared under ambient temperatures (18–27°C) and with a natural food source. All successfully reared chironomids were in the subfamily Chironominae. Mean growth rate was 0.28 d-1 suggesting a biomass turnover time of 3 days. Mean development time was 17 days. Temperature affected chironomid development time, with slower rates occurring at the lowest temperature. While many chironomid species appear capable of rapid growth in floodplains when temperatures are >18°C, completion of their life cycle seems likely only if inundation persists at least 2–3 weeks. Longer inundation periods are probably necessary for chironomids to complete their life cycle at colder temperatures in winter and early spring.
Cellular immune response in Pneumocystis carinii infection

Pneumocystis carinii is an important pulmonary pathogen causing disease in immunocompromised individuals. The majority o f conditions predisposing to Pneumocystis pneumonia are associated with profound defects in cellular immunity. Although our understanding o f the host response to the organism is still limited, advances in antigen preparation and the availability o f animal models have permitted an improved understanding of some aspects o f the cell-mediated immune response to Pneumocystis. In this review, George Smulian and Sue Theus will highlight recent advances in our knowledge regarding the role of macrophages, T cells and cytokines in the response to the organism.
SU-E-T-203: Improvement of Dosimetric Quality and Delivery Efficiency with TomoEdge Dynamic Jaws

Purpose: The TomoEdge Dynamic jaws is the newest evolution to the TomoTherapy system. It opens the jaws dynamically as they sweep across the target. We report our initial experience with the TomoEdge by quantifying the dosimetric and plan efficiency as compared to the static jaw. Methods: A total of 15 cases, including five Head and neck, five localized prostrate and five prostrate with nodal involvement were selected in this study. For each case, four TomoHelical plans were generated using Tomotherapy planning system. The pitch and modulation factor were held constant for all plans, while jaw settings were changed, 2.5 cm static vs. dynamic and 5 cm static vs. dynamic jaws were used for each plan. Plan quality was evaluated using the conformity index for 95% isodose, homogeneity index, dose-volume histogram (DVHs), integral dose to the non-treatment volume (NTV), and dose profiles (defined at the center of the treatment volume in the longitudinal direction). To characterize the plan delivery efficiency, the treatment time and monitor units (MUs) of the four treatment plans were collected and analyzed. Results: Both dynamic and static jaw techniques yielded clinical acceptable plans with comparable dosimetric indices. The Homogeneity index and CI95 do not show a significant difference with regards to static versus swept jaws plans. Additionally, the CI50 index indicates that 5 cm dynamic setting is comparable to a 2.5 cm jaw. Most dramatically, the dose penumbra in the longitudinal direction is greatly reduced. This reduction of dose build up is apparent in the reduced mean dose to the non-treatment volume (NTV) with the dynamic jaw technique. Conclusion: TomoEdge dynamic jaw plans greatly improve the longitudinal conformity. Similar treatment time was achieved for dynamic and static jaw plans using the same jaw sizes, however, ≈ 50% of reduction of the delivery time is possible for 5 cm dynamic jaw plans.
The effects of chain length on the secondary structure of oligoadenylates.

The oligoadenylates (Ap)2–4A have been studied by proton magnetic resonance (pmr) spectroscopy. All the exterior base protons and a number of the interior base proton resonance have been assigned. The results of this work showed that the adenine bases in these oligoadenylates are intramolecularly stacked at 20°C with their bases oriented preferentially in the anti conformation about their respective glycosidic bonds. The oligomers were found to associate extensively even at concentrations of 0.02 M, primarily via “end-to-end” stacking. With increasing temperature, the oligomer bases destack, but it is argued that this unfolding process cannot be described in terms of a two-state stacked versus unstacked model. Instead, the temperature dependences of the base proton chemical shifts support a base-oscillation model. The relationship between this model and the two-state model is discussed. Finally, on the basis of the chain-length dependence of the proton chemical shifts of the various adenine bases, it was concluded that subtle variations in the secondary structure of these oligomers exist with increasing chain length. Evidence is presented to show that the effects of distant base shielding are considerably smaller than what was previously estimated. The observed departures from the “extended dimer” model are attributed to differences in the relative orientations of the bases with respect to their neighbors in the oligomer.
CriticalFault: Amplifying Soft Error Effect Using Vulnerability-Driven Injection

As future microprocessors will be prone to various types of errors, researchers have looked into cross-layer hardware-software reliability solutions to reduce overheads. These mechanisms are shown to be effective when evaluated with statistical fault injection (SFI). However, under SFI, a large number of injected faults can be derated, making the evaluation less rigorous. To handle this problem, we propose a biased fault injection framework called Ciritical Fault that leverages vulnerability analysis to identify faults that are more likely to stress test the underlying reliability solution. Our experimental results show that the injection space is reduced by 30% and a large portion of injected faults cause software aborts and silent data corruptions. Overall, Critical Fault allows us to amplify soft error effects on reliability mechanism-under-test, which can help improve current techniques or inspire other new fault-tolerant mechanisms.
Genetic resilience of Daphnia populations following experimental removal of introduced fish

Dramatic changes in environmental conditions or community composition may impose severe selective pressures on resident populations. These changes in the selective regime can lead to demographic bottlenecks or local extinction. The consequence of demographic contraction is often a reduction of standing genetic variation. Since the level of adaptive genetic variation in populations plays an important role in persistence and adaptive response, understanding genetic resilience and the time course for re-establishment of genetic diversity following demographic perturbations is a critical component of assessing the consequences of changing environments. The introduction of nonnative fish into historically fishless lakes is a particularly dramatic environmental change frequently contributing to demographic bottlenecks and local extinction of native populations. We examine the quantitative- and molecular-genetic recovery of two alpine populations of the zooplankton Daphnia melanica from the Sierra Nevada, California, USA. These populations were extirpated by introduced salmonids and subsequently re-established following the experimental removal of nonnative fish. We obtained data for nuclear and mitochondrial markers and conducted a common-garden experiment to assess the levels of molecular- and quantitative-genetic variation following experimental fish removal. Reestablished D. melanica populations attained levels of nuclear genetic diversity only slightly lower than surrounding fishless populations in the first year following fish removal and substantial mitochondrial and quantitative-genetic diversity within 8 years. This high level of genetic resilience was likely facilitated by multiple sources of genetic variation, including immigration from neighboring populations and hatching from a local reservoir of diapausing eggs. Our results highlight the genetic resilience of taxa with reservoirs of genetic variation in seed or egg banks.
Cyclic estrous-like behavior in a spayed cat associated with excessive sex-hormone production by an adrenocortical carcinoma:

A 15-year-old, spayed female domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for 1-year duration of cyclic intermittent estrous behavior. Diagnostic testing performed before referral, including baseline progesterone concentration, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone stimulation test and surgical exploratory laparotomy, had remained inconclusive for a remnant ovary. Evaluation of sex hormones before and after adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration revealed increased basal concentrations of androstenedione, estradiol, progesterone, and 17α−hydroxyprogesterone and normal ACTH-stimulated hormone concentrations. Enlargement of the right adrenal gland was identified by abdominal ultrasound. The cat underwent an adrenalectomy and histopathology of the excised adrenal gland was consistent with an adrenocortical carcinoma. Clinical signs resolved immediately following surgery, and most hormone concentrations declined to within or below the reference interval (RI) by 2 months after surgery.
Dung and Diet of the Extinct Harrington's Mountain Goat (Oreamnos harringtoni)

Late Pleistocene fossils of the extinct Harrington's mountain goat, Oreamnos harringtoni , have been analyzed from eight localities in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. Unique finds of this species are the remains of hair, muscle and ligament, keratinous horn sheaths, and dung. Large, cuboid to sub-rectangular dung pellets are referable to the adult of the species. Pollen in dung indicates that the mountain goat frequented the caves during early to late spring and possibly portions of late winter and early summer. Plant material in the dung indicated that the major dietary components (33% to 47%) were grasses ( Sporobolus, Festuca, Oryzopsis , and Agropyron ); conifers ( Picea and Pseudotsuga ) also were important.
Do Donors Penalize Nonprofit Organizations with Accumulated Wealth

Does current accumulated wealth by nonprofit organizations influence contributions from individuals? Existing research demonstrates that financial reserves aid program continuity during economic downturns. Yet donors, charity watchdogs, and policy makers voice concern about accumulated wealth in nonprofits. This empirical analysis examines whether the expected negative relationship occurs when donors perceive accumulated wealth as excessive. The results support the conclusion that future contributions are negatively affected when wealth levels are deemed excessive. Nonprofit managers concerned that accumulated wealth will diminish donations should consider financial strategies that will allow their organizations to build modest—but not excessive—reserves.
Can the ontological models framework accommodate Bohmian mechanics

Abstract The ontological models framework has been proposed as a tool to prove general results about many competing interpretations of quantum mechanics at once. I argue that the ontological models framework is at best ambiguous, and at worst unable to accomplish its task of representing even the most well known interpretations of quantum mechanics. I show that when the framework is made mathematically precise, it cannot accommodate Bohmian mechanics, a well known interpretation of quantum mechanics in terms of hidden variables.
Transient Paralysis of Upper Extremity After Percutaneous Cannulation of the Subclavian Vein for Hemodialysis

Two cases of transient paralysis of upper extremity after percutaneous cannulation of the subclavian vein for hemodialysis are presented for the first time. Large amounts of lidocaine used, together with its deep and too lateral administration are responsible for development of this transient complication.
AN ANALYSIS OF COLLAGEN SECRETION BY ESTABLISHED MOUSE FIBROBLAST LINES

In vitro synthesis of collagen by established mouse fibroblast lines has been examined by electron microscopy. During rapid growth (log phase), when collagen could not be detected in the cultures, the cells lacked a well developed granular ergastoplasm and Golgi system. Upon cessation of growth (stationary phase), collagen accumulated in the cultures and the cells demonstrated highly developed granular and smooth ergastoplasm. Collagen appeared to be synthesized in the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and to be transported as a soluble protein to the cell surface by vesicular elements of the agranular ergastoplasm. Fusion of the limiting membranes of these vesicles with the cell membrane permitted the discharge of the soluble collagen into the extracellular space, where fibrils of two diameter distributions formed. The secretion of collagen is concluded to be of the merocrine type. Alternative theories of collagen secretion are discussed and the data for established lines compared with the results of other in vitro and in vivo studies of collagen fibrillogenesis.
Modulation of macrophage superoxide release by purine metabolism

Metabolic flux through the purine salvage pathway appears to modulate superoxide secretion by elicited macrophages. Exogenous adenosine, the first substrate of this pathway, stimulates superoxide secretion, and Allopurinol, a specific inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, inhibits superoxide secretion. The effects of these agents are additive since it was possible for each to neutralize the effects of the other when given in combination. In these experiments, the purine salvage pathway was responsible for over ten times the superoxide production attributable to the NADPH oxidase system.
LP/LV ratioed DG-SOI logic with (intrinsically on) symmetric DG-MOSFET load

Summary form only given. Over the last several years there has been a great deal of excitement about the double-gate (DG) SOI MOSFET as the enabling Si device for the 0.05 /spl mu/m node and beyond. As a result a number of DG structures have been proposed and analyzed, and several have been experimentally demonstrated. Although these devices are currently being vigorously researched and evolving, most structures are commonly categorized as symmetric (SDG), where both gates are made of the same polysilicon type (usually n/sup +/) and asymmetric (ADG), where one gate is n/sup +/ and the other p/sup +/ type polysilicon. The n/sup +/ gate SDG is a "normally on" device (negative threshold voltage), and for this and other reasons the favor is currently with the ADG device, although metal gates of appropriate workfunction values are being considered to fine-tune the SDG device. Rather than modify the SDG device at the expense of complicated processing, the authors seek to investigate the possibility of using this intrinsically on structure as a load device for DG-SOI based ratioed logic, with ADG drivers.
Multiple endosymbiont infections and reproductive manipulations in a linyphiid spider population

In many arthropods, maternally inherited endosymbiotic bacteria can increase infection frequency by manipulating host reproduction. Multiple infections of different bacteria in a single host population are common, yet few studies have documented concurrent endosymbiont phenotypes or explored their potential interactions. We hypothesized that spiders might be a particularly useful taxon for investigating endosymbiont interactions, because they are host to a plethora of endosymbiotic bacteria and frequently exhibit multiple infections. We established two matrilines from the same population of the linyphiid spider Mermessus fradeorum and then used antibiotic curing and controlled mating assays to demonstrate that each matriline was subject to a distinct endosymbiotic reproductive manipulation. One matriline was co-infected with Rickettsia and Wolbachia and produced offspring with a radical female bias. Antibiotic treatment eliminated both endosymbionts and restored an even sex ratio to subsequent generations. Chromosomal and fecundity observations suggest a feminization mechanism. In the other matriline, a separate factorial mating assay of cured and infected spiders demonstrated strong cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) induced by a different strain of Wolbachia. However, males with this Wolbachia induced only mild CI when mated with the Rickettsia–Wolbachia females. In a subsequent survey of a field population of M. fradeorum, we detected these same three endosymbionts infecting 55% of the spiders in almost all possible combinations, with nearly half of the infected spiders exhibiting multiple infection. Our results suggest that a dynamic network of endosymbionts may interact both within multiply infected hosts and within a population subject to multiple strong reproductive manipulations.
Perspectives on tribal archives

Tribal archives are an essential resource for documenting cultural history. This article explores the essential archival functions of a tribal repository and addresses special concerns tribal archivists may face in managing these unique institutions. Tribal archives are growing in number, sparking new initiatives for training and collaboration among those tribes that house archives. As more and more documentation becomes available in electronic form, more repositories feel the pressure to contribute material. Electronic media and the Internet pose a number of concerns and possibilities for tribal archives and tribes as a whole. Funding is perhaps the most important factor in supporting digitization projects. There are a number of ways that archives, libraries and museums of tribes can obtain financial support. Funding agencies such as the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the National Park Service, and the National Historical Publications and Records Commission all administer both competitive and non‐competitive grants in support of museums, libraries and archives.
Quantifying the Risks of Unexploded Ordnance at Closed Military Bases

Some 1,976 sites at closed military bases in the United States are contaminated with unexploded ordnance (UXO) left over from live-fire weapons training. These sites present risks to civilians who might come into contact with the UXO and cause it to explode. This paper presents the first systems analysis model for assessing the explosion risks of UXO at former military training ranges. We develop a stochastic model for estimating the probability of exposure to and explosion of UXO, before and after site cleanup. An application of the model to a 310-acre parcel at Fort Ord, California, shows that substantial risk can remain even after a site is declared clean. We estimate that risk to individual construction workers of encountering UXO that explodes would range from 4 × 10−4 to 5 × 10−2, depending on model assumptions, well above typical Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) target risk levels of 10−4 to 10−6. In contrast, a qualitative UXO risk...
Cassettes for PCR-mediated construction of green, yellow, and cyan fluorescent protein fusions in Candida albicans

We have developed a set of plasmids containing fluorescent protein cassettes for use in PCR-mediated gene tagging in Candida albicans. We engineered YFP and CFP variants of the GFP sequence optimized for C. albicans codon usage. The fluorescent protein sequences, linked to C. albicans auxotrophic marker sequences, were amplified by PCR and transformed directly into yeast. Gene-specific sequence was incorporated into the PCR primers, such that the tag-cassette integrates by homologous recombination at the 3′-end of the gene of interest. This technique was used to tag Cdc3 and Tub1 with GFP, YFP and CFP, which were readily visualized by fluorescence microscopy and localized as expected. In addition, Tub1–YFP and Cdc3–CFP were visualized in the same cells. Thus, this technique directs one-step construction of multiple fluorescent protein fusions, facilitating the study of protein co-expression and co-localization in C. albicans cells in vivo. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The imperfect pairing approximation

Abstract We present a wavefunction intended to model the static correlation of molecular systems. This wavefunction is best understood as a generalization of the perfect pairing (PP) approximation, and it is therefore termed the imperfect pairing (IP) approximation. The energy is determined by exploiting the connection between PP and a constrained coupled-cluster approach, and optimizing the orbitals to minimize the energy. We obtain results for some trial systems and find that, while a larger fraction of the correlation energy is recovered in IP than PP, the newer method has certain systematic limitations.
Diurnal and nocturnal differences in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis function in Galápagos marine iguanas

Temporal modulation of the stress response is a ubiquitous characteristic of animals. Here, we investigate possible mechanisms underlying daily changes in corticosterone release in an ectotherm model system. Earlier work indicated that free-living Galapagos marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) have lower corticosterone concentrations during the night than during the day. This could result from: (i) a lower circadian secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) as seen in mammals; (ii) from an increase in corticosterone negative feedback; or (iii) reflect lower metabolic activity during the night when core body temperature falls (from 35 °C during the day to as low as 21 °C during the night). To begin to distinguish between these three possibilities, exogenous ACTH was used to compare diel differences in adrenocortical tissue responsiveness, and dexamethasone was used to compare diel differences in the efficacy of corticosterone negative feedback. Low levels of exogenous ACTH (30 IU/kg body weight) potently stimulated both daytime and nighttime corticosterone release. Dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) inhibited only daytime, but not nighttime endogenous corticosterone release. Because the response to ACTH was similar between day and night we suggest that a simple lowering of core body temperature cannot explain the nighttime reduction in corticosterone release. However, the failure of negative feedback at night suggests that the response is not equivalent to the controlled downregulation seen in mammals.
The influence of entrainment-induced variability of cloud microphysics on the chemical composition of cloudwater

Abstract We propose a mechanism by which condensed water within clouds becomes chemically heterogeneous due to the turbulent nature of entrainment of noncloudy air into a rising cloudy parcel. We hypothesize that the observed small-scale variability of cloud microphysics, temperature and vertical velocity results from the formation of turbulent-scale sub-regions composed of varying proportions of undiluted cloudy air mixed with dry, cloud-free air above cloud base. Cloudy regions that are exposed to a higher degree of entrainment will contain lower condensed water contents, lower temperatures, lower droplet number concentrations at smaller sizes, and lower vertical velocities as a result of entrainment-induced dilution and evaporation. Greater entrainment will also increase concentrations of sulfate, nitrate and ammonium in cloudwater, and will lead to a size-dependent chemical composition of cloudwater across the range of entrainment mixtures. We find significant discrepancies between calculated SO 2 oxidation rates that account for turbulent-scale variability, relative to simpler calculations that ignore turbulent-induced variability. The more exact description of a cloud composed of a heterogeneous mix of parcels yields higher sulfur oxidation rates and lower dissolved concentrations of highly soluble sulfate, nitrate and ammonia. Most current measurements and models of cloudwater chemical composition cannot resolve the fine structure of entrainment-induced fluctuations in cloud microphysics, and therefore implicitly “average out” small-scale fluctuations of momentum, heat, buoyancy and water substance within the measurement volume or numerical grid. This averaging can lead to erroneous interpretations of measurements, and may yield biased calculations of SO 2 oxidation within clouds. Using measured concentrations of pertinent air quality concentrations in conjunction with a relatively simple regional-scale atmospheric chemistry model, we find that during most of the year, the neglect of small-scale cloud variability produces errors of less than 10% in calculated SO 2 oxidation rates. However, errors maximize during spring and autumn when cloudwater acidities and hydrogen peroxide concentrations are relatively low. During these periods, the SO 2 oxidation potential within clouds may only be ∼70% of the potential when small-scale cloud variability is accounted for. These results suggest that measurements and model calculations of cloud chemical composition or reactivity should assess the impact of these turbulent-scale fluctuations when interpreting their results.
Throttling utilities in the IBM DB2 universal database server

This paper describes a control system that provides the "utilities throttling" feature in the IBM/spl reg/ DBS /spl reg/ Universal Database/spl trade/ v8.1. Administrative utilities (e.g., file system and database backups, antivirus scan) are essential to the operation of production systems. Unfortunately, production work can be severely degraded by the concurrent execution of such utilities. Hence, it is desirable for the system to self-manage its utilities to limit their performance impact, with only high-level policy input from the administrator. We focus on policies of the form "there should be no more than an x% degradation of production work due to utility execution." We have designed a throttling mechanism called self-imposed sleep (SIS), which forces utilities to slow down their processing, by a configurable amount. We design a feedback control system based on online measurements of an internal database metric that correlates with system performance. A novel aspect of this problem is estimating the baseline, defined as the performance that the system would provide if the utility were not executing. The complete control system combines an online state estimator with a PI controller that achieves good performance and adapts to changing workloads.
Titanium: A Hydrogen Trap in Iron

The presence of titanium in iron, either as a dissolved substitutional solute or combined as a carbo-nitride, has been shown to affect the susceptibility of these alloys to hydrogen embrittlement. This behaviour is a direct result of the ability of these titanium-rich centres to capture hydrogen. The strength of the interaction ranges from 0.27 eV for substitutional titanium atoms to 0.98 eV for titanium carbide particles. The former is thus a reversible hydrogen trap with a short occupancy time, while the latter is irreversible with a long occupancy time, specifically at room temperature.
Improved synthesis of [11C]methylaminobenzovesamicol

An efficient two-step synthesis of the potential cholinergic neuronal mapping tracer [11C]methylaminobenzovesamicol (MABV) is described. A tert-butoxycarbonyl protecting group was used to activate the aniline nitrogen of aminobenzovesamicol toward [11C]methyl iodide methylation under basic conditions. Following labeling, the protecting group was removed by brief acid treatment and the final product was purified by normal phase HPLC. The decay corrected yields of MABV are in the range of 30-70 %, based on 11CO2, with a specific activity of 0.5-1.5 Ci/ μmol and synthesis time of less than 45 minutes. This new route makes clinical scale doses of this interesting compound available for human positron emission tomography studies.
The optimal design of robot drive system-gear ratios and actuator impedances

Robots are employed in flexible manufacturing systems. More robots of better performance are needed for a variety of industrial applications. This paper focuses on designing the manipulator-drive assembly having the desirable properties of quick dynamic response and isotroplc velocity convergence to improve the robot performances and partially satisfy those needs. The design variables are identified to be functions of gear ratios and actuator impedances. An appropriate performance function is proposed and proven to be a convex function of the design variables. A design procedure that optimally matches gear ratios and actuator impedances to achieve quick and isotropic velocity convergence is developed using the algorithm adopted from Nonlinear Programming to search for the global optimal design. Efforts are also attempted to locate good starting points for the search algorithm. The drive system of an already existing manipulator i.e., CMU DD Arm, is redesigned to illustrate the design procedure.
Behavior of Defects Related to Interface-Stresses in Model Submicron Soi Structures

The origin and propagation of defects in novel submicron SOI structures have been investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The majority of the defect configurations observed could be explained in terms of dislocations generated as a result of stresses induced by the oxidation process. Dislocations were found to propagate into the silicon along particular {111} planes in conformity with stress-modelling. The examination of particular dislocation configurations allowed an estimation of the stresses at the silicon/ silicon dioxide interface. Defect densities were observed to depend on the geometry of the structures.
Effects of bronchial vascular engorgement on airway dimensions.

Airway vascular engorgement has been suggested to cause luminal narrowing and airflow obstruction. To determine the extent to which changes in bronchial vascular volume could influence airway dimensions, we studied the effects of left atrial pressure elevation on airway morphometry in sheep (n = 17). The bronchial branch of the bronchoesophageal artery was cannulated and perfused with autologous blood (0.6 ml.min-1.kg-1). A balloon-tipped catheter was inserted into the left atrial appendage to elevate left atrial pressure by 10 mmHg, and papaverine was infused into the bronchial artery to eliminate airway smooth muscle tone. Morphological measurements were made from rapidly frozen lungs excised in vivo. Left atrial pressure elevation caused a 79% increase in total vascular area (P = 0.0002). Average airway luminal area was significantly decreased from 86 to 71% of the airway maximal area (P < 0.0001). Noteworthy were the prominent bronchial vessels located within mucosal folds. However, when papaverine was infused during left atrial pressure elevation, despite a comparable total vascular area, luminal narrowing did not occur and remained at 87% of the maximal area (P = 0.6267). In conclusion, we found that engorgement of the bronchial vasculature leads to an increase in the vascular area in regions inside and outside the smooth muscle layer. The associated decrease in luminal area only occurs in the presence of airway smooth muscle tone. This suggests a reflex effect on the airway caused by the vascular engorgement. We conclude that vascular engorgement of the airway wall per se has a negligible effect on airway obstruction.
Ethnic differences in symptoms of insomnia among adolescents.

Subject Objective: To provide data on the prevalence of symptoms of disturbed sleep, particularly insomnia, and to ascertain whether there are differentials attributable to ethnic culture or ethnic status. Design: Data were collected from youths (aged 11-17 years) and adult caregivers from a community-based sample of households using personal interviews and questionnaires. Setting: Managed-care subscriber populations in metropolitan area of over 4.5 million. Participants: The sample consisted of 4175 youths and their caregivers (35.4% European American, 35.4% African American, 20.5% Mexican American, and 8.7% Other American). Interventions: N/A. Measurements and Results: The overall prevalence of DSM-IV insomnia-like syndrome in the past month was 4.7%. Females were more likely to report this syndrome, as were lower-income youths. Prevalence for European American youths was 5.3%, 5.2% for African American, and 3.5% Mexican American youths (p >.05). There also were some ethnic differences across symptoms of sleep disturbance that constitute insomnia. Conclusion: For most comparisons, subsequent multivariate analyses indicate no significant ethnic difference, supporting the hypothesis that observed ethnic differences are due primarily to the effects of status differences (e.g., age, gender, socioeconomic status, etc.). Insomnia clearly is a major public health problem, with prevalences comparable to mood, anxiety and disruptive behavior disorders among adolescents.
Airway complication following functional endoscopic sinus surgery

Difficulty breathing after upper airway surgery requires immediate evaluation and treatment. We present a case of airway compromise after sinus surgery due to edema of the uvula. The patient was admitted for observation overnight and discharged the next day. A discussion of potential airway changes after sinonasal surgery is presented.
On supervising patentable Junior Projects

Oregon Institute of Technology is the only public institute of technology in the Pacific Northwest, providing degree programs in engineering, management, communications, and applied sciences, that prepare students to be effective participants in their professional, public, and international communities. The Computer Systems Engineering Technology [CSET] department of Oregon Institute of Technology has a set of courses meeting the capstone design experience required under ABET. With a view to prepare students for the capstone design experience, a series of courses entitled Junior Projects were added to the curriculum. Thanks to the explosive developments in VLSI, the projects undertaken by students in their junior year have become complex and innovative. This paper describes the challenges faced by the author while supervising projects that were not only innovative but also patentable. It throws light on possible solutions to those challenges.
Limb Deficiencies in Newborn Infants

Objective. The prevalence rate of all types of limb reduction defects in general and those that potentially are caused by vascular disruption in particular is needed to provide a baseline for the evaluation of infants who are exposed in utero to teratogens that cause vascular disruption. The objective of this study was to determine this prevalence rate. Methods. All infants with any limb deficiency among 161 252 liveborn and stillborn infants and elective terminations were identified in a hospital-based Active Malformations Surveillance Program in Boston in the years 1972 to 1974 and 1979 to 1994. An extensive search was made to identify infants who were missed by the Surveillance Program; an additional 8 infants (7.3% of total) were identified. The limb reduction defects were classified in 3 ways: 1) by the anatomic location of the defect, that is longitudinal, terminal, intercalary, etc; 2) for infants with absence/hypoplasia of fingers or toes, a tabulation of which digit or digits were affected; and 3) by apparent cause. Results. The prevalence rate for all types of limb deficiency was 0.69/1000. The apparent causes included single mutant genes, familial occurrence, and known syndromes (24%); chromosome abnormalities (6%); teratogens (4%); vascular disruption (35%); and unknown cause (32%). Conclusions. A hospital-based surveillance program can be used to establish the prevalence of limb reduction defects, if ascertainment is extended to include elective terminations for fetal abnormalities. An apparent cause can be established for most limb defects when the clinical findings are used rather than reliance only on the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes of the discharge diagnoses. The prevalence rate of limb reduction defects as a result of presumed vascular disruption was 0.22/1000.
A surface integral equation method for the finite element solution of waveguide discontinuity problems

The surface integral equation method, which is typically used in the finite-element solution of open-region scattering problems, is applied to the solution of waveguide discontinuity problems. The major advantage offered by the surface integral equation approach over other methods is that it allows the mesh-truncating boundaries to be brought as close to the discontinuity as possible, thus helping to reduce the size of the system matrix. Unlike the mode-matching technique, the surface integral equation formulation does not require the solution of any auxiliary matrix system. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the validity of the formulation. >
Evaluation of Gel-Pad Oligonucleotide Microarray Technology by Using Artificial Neural Networks

Past studies have suggested that thermal dissociation analysis of nucleic acids hybridized to DNA microarrays would improve discrimination among duplex types by scanning through a broad range of stringency conditions. To more fully constrain the utility of this approach using a previously described gel-pad microarray format, artificial neural networks (NNs) were trained to recognize noisy or low-quality data, as might derive from nonspecific fluorescence, poor hybridization, or compromised data collection. The NNs were trained to classify dissociation profiles (melts) into groups based on selected characteristics (e.g., initial signal intensity, area under the curve) using a data set of 21,044 profiles derived from 186 probes hybridized to a study set of RNA extracted from 32 microbes common to the human oral cavity. Three melt profile groups were identified: one group consisted mostly of ideal melt profiles; another group consisted mostly of poor melt profiles; and, the remainder were difficult to classify. Screening of melting profiles of perfect-match hybrids revealed inconsistencies in the form of melting profiles even for identical probes on the same microarray hybridized to same target rRNA. Approximately 18% of perfect-match duplex types were correctly classified as poor. Experimental variability and deviation from ideal melt behavior were shown to be attributable primarily to a method of local background subtraction that was very sensitive to displacement of the grid frames used for image capture (both determined by the image analysis system) and duplexes with low binding constants. Additional results showed that long RNA fragments limit the discriminating power among duplex types.
Assessment of the minimum clinically important difference in quality of life in schizophrenia measured by the Quality of Well-Being Scale and disease-specific measures

This study examines the psychometric properties of the Quality of Well Being Scale (QWB), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Heinrich-Carpenter Quality of Life Scale (QOLS), and the Lenert PANSS-based utility measure in a cohort of patients with schizophrenia and identifies threshold values of clinically meaningful change using the Clinical Global Impressions scale (CGI), as the anchor. The correlation of these measures at baseline and change at 6 and 12 months post enrollment in a comparative effectiveness trial was evaluated in 350 veterans with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. An equipercentile method was used to estimate the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for each measure. Effect size of 0.30-0.50 for baseline quality of life associated with inpatient status supported concurrent validity. The QWB was moderately correlated with disease-specific measures. The MCID as detected by the CGI at 6 months was 0.17 for QWB, 0.15 for the Lenert utility score, 1.13 for the QOLS, and 20.2 for the PANSS. These differences were stable at 12 months. The QWB is significantly correlated with disease specific measures of health related quality of life in schizophrenia.
A mode-matching technique for mode coupling in a gyrotron cavity

The mode-matching technique (MMT) is used to compute the electromagnetic fields, stored energy, and input admittances of a gyrotron cavity coupled to one or more waveguides. The method is based on matching the cavity and waveguide eigenmodes across the cavity apertures and accommodates cavity walls of finite conductivity. The MMT is used in the gyrotron problem because fields in and near the aperture must be computed accurately, and because the eigenmode decomposition is advantageous for inclusion of an electron beam. Irrotational modes are part of the complete set of orthogonal vectors required to expand an H-field in an open cavity, but were excluded in most gyrotron literature; here, this is corrected. The MMT is numerically implemented for cavities of rectangular and circular cross section. Coupling between different modes in a gyrotron cavity through external and ohmic losses is demonstrated. A coupled (complex) cavity gyrotron design is analyzed using MMT. The energy and modal spectra of the cavity are computed, demonstrating the mode selective properties of the design.