cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the utility of abstraction in labeling actors in social networks

Social networks are naturally represented as heterogeneous networks with multiple types of objects e.g., actors, items and multiple types of links e.g., links between actors that denote social ties e.g., friendship, and links that connect actors to items e.g., photos, videos, articles, etc. that denote relationships between actors and items. In this paper, we consider the task of assigning labels to the unlabeled actors (individuals) in a large heterogeneous social network in which labels are available for a subset of actors. Specifically, we seek to learn a predictive model to label actors based on the attributes of the actors themselves and/or items that are linked to them in the network. Unfortunately, the number of distinct items, represented in real-world networks such as Facebook or Flickr is quite large (in the millions) although only a small subset of them are linked to specific actors. This leads to data sparsity which causes over-fitting and hence poor performance in predicting the labels of unlabeled actors. To address this problem, we induce hierarchical taxonomies over items and use the resulting taxonomies as a basis for selecting abstract and hence parsimonious representations of network data for learning the predictive models. Our experiments using three different predictors (Iterative classification Naive Bayes, Iterative classification Logistic Regression, and EdgeCluster) on two real-world data sets, Last.fm and Flickr, show that the predictive models that take advantage of abstract representations of network data are competitive with, and in some cases, outperform those that do not.
On certain aspects of alternative core disruption accidents in LMFBRs

Abstract This paper examines the initial course of a postulated accident scenario in an LMFBR, involving the rupture of all piping connected to the reactor vessel, in the event of an earthquake (or an equivalent scenario involving both loss of heat removal and system rupture). The core is successfully shut down, but decay heat imposes a threat to core integrity. At the onset of pipe rupture, the fuel elements are cooled by natural circulation, followed by subcooling and nucleate boiling. Continuation of sodium evaporation leads to core dryout, clad melting, and subassembly wall failure. Clad melting is found to occur at a location close to the top of the core at a rate of 0.08 ft 3 /s. The sodium vapor velocity is not high enough to carry the molten steel to the upper blanket region; therefore, flow-channel blockage in the lower axial blanket region is expected. At the time of clad melting, the fuel temperature rises by approximately 2°F/s, while the temperature-rise rate at the can wall, due to heat radiation from the fuel pin, is 10°F/s. Failure of the can wall initiates gross fuel motion. Continuation of the heat generation in the fuel pellet leads to the melting of the control rod support. Both the fuel motion and the control rod failure mark the start of reactivity insertion.
Atomic Interferometer Based on Adiabatic Population Transfer

We demonstrate an atomic interferometer based on the transfer of population between two ground states via adiabatic following using a nonabsorbing "dark" superposition state. This type of interferometer promises to be useful for precise measurement of the photon recoil energy and also for large area atomic interferometers since it allows transfer of a large number of photon recoil momenta to the atoms with high efficiency. In preliminary experiments, we have obtained a coherent transfer efficiency of 95% with transfer of photon momenta and 98.4% with no transfer of momenta. Over 140 photon momenta have been transferred coherently to the atoms.
Source mechanisms of persistent shallow earthquakes during eruptive and non-eruptive periods between 1981 and 2011 at Mount St. Helens, Washington

Abstract Shallow seismicity between 0 and 3-km depth has persisted at Mount St. Helens, Washington (MSH) during both eruptive and non-eruptive periods for at least the past thirty years. In this study we investigate the source mechanisms of shallow volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes at MSH by calculating high-quality hypocenter locations and fault plane solutions (FPS) for all VT events recorded during two eruptive periods (1981–1986 and 2004–2008) and two non-eruptive periods (1987–2004 and 2008–2011). FPS show a mixture of normal, reverse, and strike-slip faulting during all periods, with a sharp increase in strike-slip faulting observed in 1987–1997 and an increase in normal faulting in 1998–2004. FPS P -axis orientations show a ~ 90° rotation with respect to regional σ 1 (N23°E) during 1981–1986 and 2004–2008, bimodal orientations (~ N-S and ~ E-W) during 1987–2004, and bimodal orientations at ~ N-E and ~ S-W from 2008–2011. We interpret these orientations to likely be due to pressurization accompanying the shallow intrusion and subsequent eruption of magma as domes during 1981–1986 and 2004–2008 and the buildup of pore pressure beneath a seismogenic volume (located at 0–1 km) with a smaller component due to the buildup of tectonic forces during 1987–2004 and 2008–2011.
Iodine nutritional status after the implementation of the new iodized salt concentration standard in Zhejiang Province, China

Iodine deficiencies were prevalent in China until the introduction of universal salt iodization (USI) in 1995. In 2012, the standard salt iodine concentration was adjusted to 20-30 mg/kg. The success of USI for the control of iodine deficiency disorders requires monitoring its effect at a population level. Two cross sectional surveys of a representative sample of children aged 8–10 years in Zhejiang Province were carried out in 2011 and 2013. Data on participants’ socio-demographic characteristics were collected from the children using a structured questionnaire. Spot urine samples were collected and delivered to local Center for Disease Control and Prevention laboratory for measuring urinary iodine concentration. In 2011, out of 420 selected children aged 8–10 years, 391 were recorded and provided urine samples. In 2013, out of 1560 selected children aged 8–10 years, 1556 were recorded and provided urine samples. The median urinary iodine concentration of subjects in the 2013 survey was 174.3 μg/L, significantly lower than that of 2011(p = 0.000). The median urinary iodine concentration of subjects living in urban and rural areas in the 2013 survey was 169.0 μg/L, and 186.1 μg/L respectively, significantly lower than that of 2011 only for subjects living in urban areas (p = 0.000). There were no significant differences for subjects living in rural areas in the survey in 2011 and in 2013 (p = 0.086). At the time the new local iodization policy put forward, iodine nutrition was generally adequate in both urban and rural areas, suggesting that the new policy for adjusting the standard salt iodine concentration is effective. Our data also indicate that the reason people living in urban areas had a lower urinary iodine concentration than people in rural areas may be due to their preference for using non-iodized salt in the last 2 or 3 years. Maintaining USI at an appropriate level is an important part of preventing iodine deficiency disorders and should always be based on regular monitoring and comparison of urinary iodine concentration by province.
Evaluation of MRI issues for an access port with a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag.

Abstract Objective A medical implant that contains metal, such as an RFID tag, must undergo proper MRI testing to ensure patient safety and to determine that the function of the RFID tag is not compromised by exposure to MRI conditions. Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to assess MRI issues for a new access port that incorporates an RFID tag. Materials and Methods Samples of the access port with an RFID tag (Medcomp Power Injectable Port with CertainID; Medcomp, Harleysville, PA) were evaluated using standard protocols to assess magnetic field interactions (translational attraction and torque; 3-T), MRI-related heating (3-T), artifacts (3-T), and functional changes associated with different MRI conditions (nine samples, exposed to different MRI conditions at 1.5-T and 3-T). Results Magnetic field interactions were not substantial and will pose no hazards to patients. MRI-related heating was minimal (highest temperature change, 1.7 °C; background temperature rise, 1.6 °C). Artifacts were moderate in size in relation to the device. Exposures to MRI conditions at 1.5-T and 3-T did not alter or damage the functional aspects of the RFID tag. Conclusions Based on the findings of the test, this new access port with an RFID tag is acceptable (or, MR conditional, using current MRI labeling terminology) for patients undergoing MRI examinations at 1.5-T/64-MHz and 3-T/128-MHz.
Influence of age at time of irradiation on induction of leukemia and ovarian tumors in RF mice.

RF mice exposed to 100 to 300 r of whole-bcdy x rays at various ages from before birth to 180 days after birth showed age-dependent variations in susceptibility to leukemia induction. Susceptibility to induction of granulocytic leukemia was minimal when irradiation was carried out during gestation or shortly after birth, rising later to a maximum at about 70 days of age. Susceptibility to induction of thymic lymphomas was, likewise, apparently minimal during gestation but maximal shortly after birth, declining later in life at the time of thymic involution. Susceptibility to induction of ovarian tumors was relatively low in mice irradiated in utero. (auth)
Ex Vivo Programming of Antigen-Presenting B Lymphocytes: Considerations on DNA Uptake and Cell Activation

Plasmids used in DNA vaccination not only serve as a source of antigen, but also have an important adjuvant effect. This review focuses on recent advancements made in understanding how cells internalize DNA, and how internalized DNA activates immune response pathways. We also comment on the role of B cells in both of these processes.
Ribonucleic acid on the surface of the liver nucleus.

A surface alteration, measured as an increase in electrophoretic mobility, had been previously shown to occur in liver nuclei (prepared with citric acid) after partial hepatectomy of the rat. The effects of pancreatic, takadiastase T1, and squid RNase and of the extraction of DNA and protein on the electrophoretic mobilities of the citric acid nuclei have now been studied. These studies show that the change in electrokinetic properties after removal of part of the liver results from the addition of RNA to the nuclear surface. The appearance of the surface RNA seems to be a qualitative rather than a quantitative change. Citric acid-treated nuclei from the livers of very young rats (1 and 5 days old) but not from older animals (8 and 16 weeks old) also appear to have RNA on their surfaces.
Perspective: Disclosing Hidden Sources of Funding

In this article, the author discusses ethical and policy issues related to the disclosure of hidden sources of funding in research. The author argues that authors have an ethical obligation to disclose hidden sources of funding and that journals should adopt policies to enforce this obligation. Journal policies should require disclosure of hidden sources of funding that authors know about and that have a direct relation to their research. To stimulate this discussion, the author describes a recent case: investigators who conducted a lung cancer screening study had received funding from a private foundation that was supported by a tobacco company, but they did not disclose this relationship to the journal. Investigators and journal editors must be prepared to deal with these issues in a manner that promotes honesty, transparency, fairness, and accountability in research. The development of well-defined, reasonable policies pertaining to hidden sources of funding can be a step in this direction.
Soft error rate estimations of the Kintex-7 FPGA within the ATLAS Liquid Argon (LAr) Calorimeter

This paper summarizes the radiation testing performed on the Xilinx Kintex-7 FPGA in an effort to determine if the Kintex-7 can be used within the ATLAS Liquid Argon (LAr) Calorimeter. The Kintex-7 device was tested with wide-spectrum neutrons, protons, heavy-ions, and mixed high-energy hadron environments. The results of these tests were used to estimate the configuration ram and block ram upset rate within the ATLAS LAr. These estimations suggest that the configuration memory will upset at a rate of 1.1 × 10−10 upsets/bit/s and the bram memory will upset at a rate of 9.06 × 10−11 upsets/bit/s. For the Kintex 7K325 device, this translates to 6.85 × 10−3 upsets/device/s for configuration memory and 1.49 × 10−3 for block memory.
Vascular disorders of the hand: therapist's commentary.

T herapeu tic management of vascular disorders of the upper extremity complements medical and surgical care and includes evaluation, patient education, and treatment of symptoms associated with vascular insufficiency. This review focuses on the management of chronic vascular disorders by the hand therapist. Rehabilitative treatment of the acute vascular injury isbeyond the scope of this paper and is well defined elsewhere in the literature.
Factorization at small χ

We show how to modify the Lipatov equation to treat short distance cross sections in the factorization theorem.
Correlation of water translocation, cuticle dehydration and post-ecdysial sclerotization by the American cockroach

Abstract 1. 1. Haemolymph volume decreases during the initial 16 hr post-ecdysial period, increases after water ingestion and subsequently drops until the inter-ecdysial level is reached. 2. 2. Total body water follows a similar pattern, but the changes are not as pronounced. 3. 3. Tissue water is inversely proportional to the total body water. 4. 4. Soluble cuticle protein declines throughout the initial 16 hr period while both β-glucosidase and alkaline phosphatase activity is lost within 6 hr after ecdysis. 5. 5. Dehydration of the cuticle also occurs during the immediate 6 hr post-ecdysial period. 6. 6. These data suggest that the formation of the protein-insoluble matrix is linked with water loss. 7. 7. Water removal may decrease the distance between molecules allowing specific reactions to take place.
Nonnegative integral generalized inverses

Abstract Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for a nonnegative integral matrix to have nonnegative integral generalized inverses of various types, and the possible ranks of these inverses are determined. More generally, conditions are also given for matrices to have generalized inverses over certain subsets of the nonnegative reals forming monoids under addition and multiplication. Many of our results are adapted from results of Berman and Plemmons [3–6] on real matrices.
Investigation of Turbine Shroud Distortions on the Aerodynamics of a One and One-Half Stage High-Pressure Turbine

As part of a proactive effort to investigate the ability of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) tools to predict time-accurate surface-pressure histories, a combined experimental/computational investigation was performed examining the effect of rotor shroud (casing) out-of-roundness on the unsteady pressure loading for the blade row of a full-stage turbine. The casing out-of-roundness was idealized by designing a casing ring with a sinusoidal variation. This casing ring was used to replace a flat casing for an existing turbine and direct comparisons were made between the time-accurate pressure measurements and predictions obtained using the flat and “wavy” casings. For both casing configurations, predictions of the unsteady pressure loading for many locations on the blade and vane were obtained using Numeca’s FINE/Turbo code and the General Electric TACOMA code. This paper will concentrate on the results obtained for the “wavy” casing, but the results for the flat casing are presented as a baseline case. The time-accurate surface-pressure measurements were acquired for the vane and blade of a modern, 3-D, stage and 1/2 high-pressure turbine operating at the design corrected speed and stage pressure ratio. The research program utilized an un-cooled turbine stage for which all three airfoil rows are heavily instrumented at multiple spans to develop a full dataset. The vane-blade-vane count for this machine is 38-72-38. The number of waves in the distorted shroud “wavy wall” is approximately 1.5-times the number of vanes. The resulting changes in aerodynamic surface-pressure measurements were measurable at all blade span wise locations. Variations in time-average surface pressure of up to 5% of the flat casing values were observed. In addition, the frequency content of the time-resolved blade data for the “wavy” casing changed substantially from that measured using the flat casing, with changes in both amplitudes and frequencies. Imposing the casing irregularity changed the fundamental physics of the problem from a single frequency and its harmonics to a multi-frequency problem with mixed harmonics. The unsteady effects of this type of problem can be addressed using the harmonic method within Numeca’s FINE/Turbo code, which is designed to handle multiple blade passing frequencies and harmonics for one blade row. A more traditional approach is included in the paper by employing the TACOMA code in a linearized mode that produces results for a single frequency. These results show that casing irregularity can have a significant influence on the blade surface-pressure characteristics. Further, it is demonstrated that the FINE/Turbo code experienced difficulty predicting the unsteady pressure signal attributed to the “wavy” casing configuration, while at the same time capturing the unsteady signal attributed to the vane passing due to limitations in the current methodology.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The knowledge of detained juveniles about the juvenile justice system

This article examines the knowledge and perceptions of detained juveniles about the roles of juvenile justice officials and the nature of the juvenile justice system. Data were collected through interviews in a group setting. The small sample size limited the generalizability of the findings but provided specific information important for future research and policymaking on an under-studied group. The study found that the experiences of the juveniles with the justice system provided only limited understanding of the system's processes and confusion about juvenile justice officials' roles. The juveniles did not have a clear understanding of how each official's role operated within a set of roles that constitutes the system. Further, they did not fully understand the cumulative effect of juvenile processing.
Improved non-parametric coincidence detectors

Abstract Simple extensions of the polarity–coincidence correlator (PCC) for non-parametric detection of a common random signal in two-input systems are considered. The new detectors are based on conditional tests and are shown to be capable of a better performance than the PCC. For the case of Gaussian noise, substantial improvement in performance over that of the PCC is established.
Prediction of drug solubility from Monte Carlo simulations

Monte Carlo statistical mechanics simulations have been carried out for 150 organic solutes in water. Physically significant descriptors such as the solvent-accessible surface area, numbers of hydrogen bonds, and indices for cohesive interactions in solids are correlated with pharmacologically important properties including octanol/water partition coefficient (log P) and aqueous solubility (log S). The regression equation for log S only requires five descriptors to provide a correlation coefficient, r2, of 0.9 and rms error of 0.7 for the 150 solutes. The descriptors can form a basis for structural modifications to guide an analogue's properties into desired ranges.
Rapid evolution of mammalian X-linked testis-expressed homeobox genes.

Homeobox genes encode transcription factors that function in various developmental processes and are usually evolutionarily conserved in their sequences. However, two X-chromosome-linked testis-expressed homeobox genes, one from rodents and the other from fruit flies, are known to evolve rapidly under positive Darwinian selection. Here we report yet another case, from primates. TGIFLX is an X-linked homeobox gene that originated by retroposition of the autosomal gene TGIF2 , most likely in a common ancestor of rodents and primates. While TGIF2 is ubiquitously expressed, TGIFLX is exclusively expressed in adult testis. A comparison of the TGIFLX sequences among 16 anthropoid primates revealed a significantly higher rate of nonsynonymous nucleotide substitution ( d N ) than synonymous substitution ( d S ), strongly suggesting the action of positive selection. Although the high d N / d S ratio is most evident outside the homeobox, the homeobox has a d N / d S of ∼0.89 and includes two codons that are likely under selection. Furthermore, the rate of radical amino acid substitutions that alter amino acid charge is significantly greater than that of conservative substitutions, suggesting that the selection promotes diversity of the protein charge profile. More interestingly, an analysis of 64 orthologous homeobox genes from humans and mice shows substantially higher rates of amino acid substitution in X-linked testis-expressed genes than in other genes. These results suggest a general pattern of rapid evolution of mammalian X-linked testis-expressed homeobox genes. Although the physiological function of and the exact selective agent on TGIFLX and other rapidly evolving homeobox genes are unclear, the common expression pattern of these transcription factor genes led us to conjecture that the selection is related to one or more aspects of male reproduction and may contribute to speciation.
When negative evidence increases confidence: change in belief after hearing two sides of a dispute

Four experiments examined change in confidence after hearing two sides of a dispute. The results showed that a case independently judged to weakly support one side often increased confidence that the opposing side was correct. Furthermore, the stronger the first case, the more likely a subsequent weak case had a reverse impact. Traditional belief-updating models, which tend to focus on change in belief after individual pieces of evidence rather than entire cases, cannot account for these results, and a model that can account for them is introduced. In the new model, case strength is evaluated with respect to a relatively demanding (and malleable) reference point. A weak case can fall below this demanding reference point, resulting in a reverse impact on confidence. Cases must exceed relatively high strength thresholds in order to have their intended impact because they are expected to be biased summaries of evidence. When it is clear that a weak case is unbiased, it affects confidence in the intended direction. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sulfasalazine Pulmonary Toxicity in Ulcerative Colitis Mimicking Clinical Features of Wegener's Granulomatosis

The centrally accentuated antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody test (c-ANCA) is widely regarded as a sensitive and specific marker for Wegener's granulomatosis (WG). There are increasing reports, however, of false-positive c-ANCAs, usually in the setting of other vasculidities. We report a case of a 27-year-old man with ulcerative colitis who developed pulmonary symptoms, peripheral nodular lung infiltrates, and an elevated c-ANCA suggesting WG. Chest CT and open lung biopsy specimens were consistent with WG. The symptoms and pulmonary infiltrates resolved after discontinuation of sulfasalazine therapy. The c-ANCA remained elevated due to the occurrence of false-positive values in ulcerative colitis. We conclude sulfasalazine toxicity can mimic clinical aspects of WG and that c-ANCA testing should be interpreted with caution in patients with ulcerative colitis.
A scale of educational-vocational undecidedness: A typological approach

Abstract A scale designed to measure and identify antecedents of educational-vocational indecision was administered to a variety of college student groups expected to differ in career-decidedness. Results indicate that the scale is reliable, appears to discriminate career-decided from career-undecided students, and is responsive to interventions designed to alleviate educational-vocational indecision. A factor analysis of the scale yielded four factors: need for structure, perceived external barriers, positive choice conflict, and personal conflict. The instrument has potential for diagnostic, criterion, and conceptual purposes related to career indecision.
Segmental dynamics of poly(styrene-b-2-vinylpyridine) in bulk and at the surface/air interface

Anionically polymerized poly(α-deuterostyrene) and poly(β-deuterostyrene-b-2-vinylpyridine) (DSVP), selectively deuterated on the styrene backbone, were studied using deuterium wide-line NMR in bulk and adsorbed on silica and alumina. Changes in the segmental dynamics of the bulk and adsorbed polymers were inferred via changes in the NMR line shape with temperature. The DSVP bulk sample, which consisted of micellar aggregrates with a 2-vinylpyridine core, was more rigid than the homopolystyrene of a similar molecular weight. A significant change in mobility occurred at 20°C higher in the DSVP bulk sample than it did in homopolystyrene. The DSVP-adsorbed sample showed more restrictive mobility than bulk DSVP. The spectra of the adsorbed samples contained “rigid” Pake patterns with considerable intensity at temperatures where the collapse of the Pake pattern for the DSVP bulk sample was observed. DSVP bound to the silica surface was found to have a mobility similar to the same copolymer on alumina. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 36: 1609–1616, 1998
Beneficial effect of pancreatic polypeptide in experimental pancreatitis.

Two animal models have been employed to examine the role of pancreatic polypeptide, a potent and selective inhibitor of pancreatic exocrine secretion, in the treatment of acute pancreatitis. In one model pancreatitis was induced by feeding young female Swiss Webster mice an ethionine-supplemented, choline-deficient diet for 48 hr. Animals (N=30 per group) were injected subcutaneously every 8 hr for 7 days with pancreatic polypeptide (0, 2, 20, and 200 μg/kg/day). Treatment with 20 and 200 μg/kg/day pancreatic polypeptide significantly (P<0.05) reduced moriality from a control rate of 70% to 42% and 33%, respectively. Treated animals also exhibited significant (P<0.05) decreases in pancreatic content of activated chymotrypsin and an improvement in pancreatic histology. Pancreatic polypeptide was effective whether treatment was started before or at the same time the test diet was introduced. In contrast, pancreatic polypeptide failed to protect dogs with acute pancreatitis induced by retrograde injection of the pancreas with bile, which may reflect the rapid and mechanical nature of pancreatic damage in this animal model.
A systematic error in quantitative differential thermal analysis

Abstract The accuracy obtainable by differential thermal analysis is limited by a systematic error which is due to the apparent heat transfer coefficient and the apparent heat capacity of the sample and the sample holder. These thermal parameters must be evaluated in any method aimed at quantitative analysis. It is suggested that in many cases, the logarithm of the peak area furnishes an approximate measure of these parameters. The ratio of the logarithms of the areas obtained with the calibration substance and the sample substance, furnishes a possible correction factor for the empirical calibration constant.
The Predictive Power of Electronic Polarizability for Tailoring the Refractivity of High-Index Glasses: Optical Basicity Versus the Single Oscillator Model

Four compositions of high density (~8 g/cm3) heavy metal oxide glasses composed of PbO, Bi2O3, and Ga2O3 were produced and refractivity parameters (refractive index and density) were computed and measured. Optical basicity was computed using three different models – average electronegativity, ionic-covalent parameter, and energy gap – and the basicity results were used to compute oxygen polarizability and subsequently refractive index. Refractive indices were measured in the visible and infrared at 0.633 μm, 1.55 μm, 3.39 μm, 5.35 μm, 9.29 μm, and 10.59 μm using a unique prism coupler setup, and data were fitted to the Sellmeier expression to obtain an equation of the dispersion of refractive index with wavelength. Using this dispersion relation, single oscillator energy, dispersion energy, and lattice energy were determined. Oscillator parameters were also calculated for the various glasses from their oxide values as an additional means of predicting index. Calculated dispersion parameters from oxides underestimate the index by 3 to 4%. Predicted glass index from optical basicity, based on component oxide energy gaps, underpredicts the index at 0.633 μm by only 2%, while other basicity scales are less accurate. The predicted energy gap of the glasses based on this optical basicity overpredicts the Tauc opticalmore » gap as determined by transmission measurements by 6 to 10%. These results show that for this system, density, refractive index in the visible, and energy gap can be reasonably predicted using only composition, optical basicity values for the constituent oxides, and partial molar volume coefficients. Calculations such as these are useful for a priori prediction of optical properties of glasses.« less
Parasites of the Great Plains Narrowmouth Toad (Gastrophryne olivacea) from Northern Texas

Forty-nine adult and 14 immature Great Plains narrowmouth toads (Gastrophryne olivacea) from Johnson and Somervell Counties of northcentral Texas were examined for parasites. Sixty-four percent of the toads were infected with one or more species of parasites. New host records are reported for an isosporan similar to Isospora neos, and for Cylindrotaenia americana. The most common parasite in G. olivacea was the nematode, Cosmocercoides dukae. Prevalence was high among the adult G. olivacea (82%); however, none of the immature toads were infected.
Néel state of an antiferromagnet as a result of a local measurement in the distributed quantum system

Single-site measurement in a distributed macroscopic antiferromagnet is considered; we show that it can create antiferromagnetic sublattices at macroscopic scale. We demonstrate that the result of measurement depends on the symmetry of the ground state: for the easy-axis case the Neel state is formed, while for the easy-plane case unusual ``fan'' sublattices appear with unbroken rotational symmetry, and a decoherence wave is generated. For the latter case, a macroscopically large number of measurements is needed to pin down the orientation of the sublattices, in spite of the high degeneracy of the ground state. We note that the type of the final state and the appearance of the decoherence wave are governed by the degree of entanglement of spins in the system.
The lead-time reliability paradox and inconsistent value-of-reliability estimates

The value-of-reliability (VOR) reflects the savings in inventory-system costs from more reliable (less variable) lead times. Previous studies have revealed that more reliable, but positively skewed, lead times could actually increase optimal safety inventory when the probability of satisfying all demand during a replenishment cycle drops below 70%. Researchers claim that this paradox affects most firms and that it explains the inconsistent VOR estimates found in the transportation economics literature. Our investigation reveals that firms interested in high product availability may safely ignore the paradox and that less lead-time variability consistently increases VOR, the paradox notwithstanding.
The programmer’s workplace: Part II careers, pay, and professionalism

Programming, more than any other engineering occupation, has a reputation as an open field in which advancement, if not certain, is likely and the rewards substantial. Part of the reputation is based on fact. The men and women who created the computer and software industries have been part of one of the great occupational booms of the twentieth century. The pioneers of the 1940’s and 1950’s benefited from being first in a field which appeared to have no limits on its growth and therefore no limits on the opportunities for those with skill, talent, and ambition. Still prominent in a variety of occupations, their individual and collective careers have been held up as models for succeeding generations of software workers.
New Approaches to Crisis Intervention

Constant efforts to improve crisis services have led to many innovative programs. Some have proven their feasibility and become established procedures. Others are now in a developing stage and still others represent new approaches. A survey of 50 suicide prevention and crisis services around the world provides evidence of a trend toward a broadening range of services, a more active case-finding approach, greater visibility, increased integration into the community care system, and creative leadership by newer and smaller centers as well as the well-established ones. This is being accomplished without relinquishing the traditional respect for anonymity, ever-present availability, and a nonjudgmental regard for each person's need.
State space relay modeling and simulation using the ElectroMagnetic Transients Program and its transient analysis of control systems capability

A simulation of a MHO distance relay is developed to study the effect of its operation under various system conditions. Simulation is accomplished using a state-space approach and a modeling technique using the ElectroMagnetic Transient Program (EMTP) and Transient Analysis of Control Systems (TACS). EMTP allows the representation of power systems as well as their components. In addition, transmission line surges and other high-frequency transient phenomena can be studied with EMTP. The EMTP modeling technique TACS is employed to develop this relay model. Simulation results are compared with those obtained in another independent study as a control, to validate the results. A data code for the practical utilization of this simulation is given. Because the model can accept waveforms from potential and current transformers, projections of harmonic and transient behavior of relays during a system contingency are possible. >
Modeling of multilevel structures: a general method for analyzing stress evolution during processing

This work presents a general modeling technique for following the evolution of the stress field during the manufacturing of multilevel structures. This technique combines the finite element method with a modeling strategy that uses artificial nodes to simulate material interfaces. It can be applied to both linear and nonlinear structures. The main advantage of this approach is that it allows one to account for all topological and geometric changes during the manufacturing process, as well as the residual stresses introduced at each stage. Its implementation is very straightforward since it is compatible with current finite element technology and most commercial codes. The usefulness of this technique is illustrated with an example concerning an encapsulated copper line. >
The design of reliable VLSI electronic systems for digital signal processing

The author reviews number-theoretic techniques for achieving hardware modularity in order to facilitate high data rates, testability, reliability, and fault tolerance, in VLSI digital signal processing systems. The theory of RNS (residue number system) error detection and correction is reviewed, and the special properties of modular systems are discussed for providing a rich environment for fault tolerant designs. Questions of reliability and fault tolerance on both the integrated circuit level and higher systems levels are discussed. The design of a convolutional back-projection digital processor for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image processing is used as an example to investigate appropriate interactions between circuit-level error checking and system-level fault tolerance. >
Total cavopulmonary connection in patients with apicocaval juxtaposition: optimal conduit route using preoperative angiogram and flow simulation

OBJECTIVES: Single ventricle with apicocaval juxtaposition (ACJ) is a rare, complex anomaly, in which the optimal position of the conduit for completion of total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to identify a preoperative method for optimal conduit position using the IVC anatomy and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). METHODS: Twenty-four patients with ACJ (5.3 ± 5.7 years) who underwent TCPC were enrolled. A conduit was placed ipsilateral to the cardiac apex in each of 11 patients, of which 9 were intra-atrial and 2 extracardiac (group A) and, in a further 13 patients, extracardiac on the contralateral side (group B). As control, 10 patients with tricuspid atresia were also enrolled (group C). The location of the IVC in relation to the spine was evaluated from the frontal view of preoperative angiogram, using the following index: IVC-index = IVC width overlapping the vertebra/width of the vertebra × 100%. Energy loss was calculated by CFD simulation. RESULTS: IVC-index of group B was larger than groups A and C (45 ± 26 vs. 20 ± 21 and 28 ± 19%, P= 0.03). Postoperative catheterizations showed that, due to its curvature, conduit length in group B was significantly longer than the others (65 ± 12 vs. 36 ± 14 and 44 ± 10 mm, P< 0.001), although there was no statistical difference in central venous pressure or cardiac output. CFD studies revealed less energy loss in group A conduits compared with group B (1.6 ± 0.3 vs. 3.6 ± 0.6 mW, P= 0.05), although this did not appear to be clinically significant. Moreover, CFD simulation showed significant energy loss within the Fontan circulation when the conduit was either compressed or kinked: 4.9 and 18.2 mW respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ACJ, placement of a straighter and shorter conduit on the ventricular apical side provides better laminar blood flow with less energy loss. However, conduit compression and kinking are far more detrimental to the Fontan circulation. A preoperative IVC-index is pivotal for avoiding these factors and deciding the optimal conduit route.
Interactions with Family and Friends: Marital Status and Occupational Differences among Older Women

Standardized indices were used to compare frequency of interaction outside the household with various types of kin and with friends for 131 married, widowed, or never-married older women who had retired from professional or clerical employment. Widows from both occupational backgrounds had the highest levels of interaction with friends and with primary relatives (parents, siblings, and children). These results call into question earlier studies reporting on the social isolation of widows. Compared to clerical women, professional women generally interacted more with primary relatives and friends, but less with extended kin. Never-married professional women were relatively high in interaction with extended kin while never-married clerical women had low interaction with extended kin. Other comparisons are discussed, and several implications for further research are introduced.
Test of eight superconducting arc quadrupoles for RHIC

Test results from a group of eight superconducting quadrupoles made at Brookhaven National Laboratory are presented. The magnets have been designed for use in the arc regions of the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider now under construction at Brookhaven. Novel features of the design include a single-layer coil, the use of injection-molded phenolic for the pole spacers, and a yoke that also serves as a collar. This R&D series has been used to verify the magnet quench performance and field quality prior to the start of the production run in industry. >
POWER ESTIMATOR DEVELOPMENT FOR EMBEDDED SYSTEM MEMORY TUNING

Memory accesses account for a large percentage of total power in microprocessor-based embedded systems. The increasing use of microprocessor cores and synthesis, rather than prefabricated microprocessor chips, creates the opportunity to tune a memory hierarchy to the one program that will execute in the embedded system. Such tuning requires fast and accurate estimation of the power and performance of different memory configurations. We describe a general three-step approach to developing such estimators, based on our experiences on several different projects. Each step is increasingly fast, using the previous step to gauge accuracy. The first step uses high-level functional simulation, the second step uses trace simulation, and the third step uses equations. A tool developer can follow these three steps to create a powerful environment for core users to support synthesis of the best memory hierarchy for a particular embedded system. The approach can be applied to components other than memory also.
Genetic suppression of β2-adrenergic receptors ameliorates tau pathology in a mouse model of tauopathies

Accumulation of the microtubule-binding protein tau is a key event in several neurodegenerative disorders referred to as tauopathies, which include Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, Pick's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration. Thus, understanding the molecular pathways leading to tau accumulation will have a major impact across multiple neurodegenerative disorders. To elucidate the pathways involved in tau pathology, we removed the gene encoding the beta-2 adrenergic receptors (β2ARs) from a mouse model overexpressing mutant human tau. Notably, the number of β2ARs is increased in brains of AD patients and epidemiological studies show that the use of beta-blockers decreases the incidence of AD. The mechanisms underlying these observations, however, are not clear. We show that the tau transgenic mice lacking the β2AR gene had a reduced mortality rate compared with the parental tau transgenic mice. Removing the gene encoding the β2ARs from the tau transgenic mice also significantly improved motor deficits. Neuropathologically, the improvement in lifespan and motor function was associated with a reduction in brain tau immunoreactivity and phosphorylation. Mechanistically, we provide compelling evidence that the β2AR-mediated changes in tau were linked to a reduction in the activity of GSK3β and CDK5, two of the major tau kinases. These studies provide a mechanistic link between β2ARs and tau and suggest the molecular basis linking the use of beta-blockers to a reduced incidence of AD. Furthermore, these data suggest that a detailed pharmacological modulation of β2ARs could be exploited to develop better therapeutic strategies for AD and other tauopathies.
Genetic Linkage Map of Fishes of the Genus Xiphophorus (Teleostei: Poeciliidae)

Analysis of genotypes of 76 polymorphic loci in more than 2600 backcross hybrid individuals derived from intra- and interspecific genetic crosses of fishes of the genus Xiphophorus (Poeciliidae) resulted in the identification of 17 multipoint linkage groups containing 55 protein-coding loci and one sex chromosome-linked pigment pattern gene. Multipoint linkage analyses identified highly probable gene orders for 10 linkage groups. The total genome length was estimated to be approximately 18 Morgans. Comparisons of the Xiphophorus linkage map with those of other fishes, amphibians and mammals suggested that fish gene maps are remarkably similar and probably retain many syntenic groups present in the ancestor of all vertebrates.
A sizing and timing analysis of an integrated computer network simulator

This research addressed the performance characteristics of a computer-communication network that integrates both voice and data traffic on the backbone of the network. Network performance was analyzed using an event-driven FORTRAN simulation model. The model was based on a circuit-switched communications subnet whose trunk lines carry both voice and data traffic simultaneously. A sizing and timing analysis is accomplished by collecting empirical performance data for a variety of system input parameter combinations. The data was analyzed to determine simulation running time needed to reach steady state and to size the input parameter ranges that correspond to feasible network performance.
Buffer management in multimedia database systems

Investigates the principles of buffer management for multimedia data presentations in object-oriented database environments. The primary goal is to minimize the response time of multimedia presentations while ensuring that all continuity and synchronization requirements are satisfied. Minimum buffering requirements to guarantee the continuity and synchrony of the presentation of multimedia data are proposed. These principles provide users with the full range of information required to develop a database environment for multimedia presentations.
Follow-up of the soft tissue sarcoma patient

Despite optimal treatment, patients with soft tissue sarcoma are at risk for recurrence and therefore appropriate surveillance is critical. At minimum, regularly scheduled clinical assessments and chest X-rays are necessary. Consensus guidelines are available; however, surveillance strategies must be personalized based on the risk for recurrence and inherent disease biology. Further research is needed on a number of issues, including the impact of surveillance on clinical outcome and the utility of molecular surveillance.
Predicting the Impact of Coastal Development on Water Quality Using Remote Sensing and GIS-assisted Hydrologic Modeling Techniques

A decline in water quality in the Okatie River, a coastal estuary located in Beaufort County, SC, has resulted in the closure of several shellfish beds. Continuing urban development within the watershed has altered land cover conditions and may be contributing to the recent decline in water quality. Remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) technology, coupled with a water quality model were used to spatially model stormwater runoff to understand the relationship between recent changes in land cover and watershed runoff characteristics. High spatial resolution imagery acquired in 1994 and 1996 spatially documented pre- and post-development land cover conditions within the watershed. The water quality model Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution (AGNPS) evaluated land characteristics such as soil type, topography, and land cover to simulate surface water flow and sediment transport over past and current land cover conditions. Results of the model were used to locate net increases of fresh water discharge and to suggest best management practices (BMP).
The effect of widowhood on older adults' social participation: an evaluation of activity, disengagement, and continuity theories.

Purpose This study evaluated how levels of social participation change as a result of late-life widowhood. Social participation is a multidimensional construct incorporating both formal (e.g., meeting attendance, religious participation, and volunteer obligations) and informal (e.g., telephone contact and social interactions with friends) social roles. Design and methods Using data from the Changing Lives of Older Couples study, analyses compared widowed persons to continuously married control participants to evaluate whether widowhood affects older adults' levels of social participation. Results Widowed persons had higher levels of informal social participation than nonwidowed persons, whereas formal social participation levels were comparable between the two groups. Social participation levels decrease before the death of a spouse, primarily because of poor spousal health, and increase following the loss, because of increased support from friends and relatives. Implications Maintaining continuity in the realm of social participation is a strategy older adults use to cope with spousal loss; however, not all widowed persons have the same resources to alter their levels of social participation.