cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface characterization using frequency diverse scattering measurements and regularity models

Accurate classification and characterization of image regions is often an important goal for the users of coherent imaging systems such as synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Many surfaces measured by remote sensing systems can be stochastically described by a regularity model. This parametric point-process model describes a 1-D surface in terms of the mean and variance of the interscatterer distances. Variations of these parameters can describe scatterer distributions ranging from totally random to nearly periodic. Under certain conditions, a closed-form approximation to the mean power spectrum of finite-length data intervals exists. The estimation of model parameters from measured spectra can then be cast as an optimization problem in which the total squared error between the approximation and the simple periodogram is minimized. We examine the general performance limitations of such an optimization procedure, determining how approximation error, signal-to-noise ratio, and frequency-sampling rate affect the feasibility and accuracy of parameter estimation. We determine under what conditions the approximation may be used. We find that parameter estimation is feasible at a frequency-sampling rate that is well below that suggested by the power spectral density (PSD). This suggests that it is possible to obtain parameter estimates by comparing sparse narrow-band frequency measurements to the PSD of the point-process and thereby obtain information about the surface on subresolution scales.
Toward structure prediction of cyclic peptides

Cyclic peptides are a promising class of molecules that can be used to target specific protein–protein interactions. A computational method to accurately predict their structures would substantially advance the development of cyclic peptides as modulators of protein–protein interactions. Here, we develop a computational method that integrates bias-exchange metadynamics simulations, a Boltzmann reweighting scheme, dihedral principal component analysis and a modified density peak-based cluster analysis to provide a converged structural description for cyclic peptides. Using this method, we evaluate the performance of a number of popular protein force fields on a model cyclic peptide. All the tested force fields seem to over-stabilize the α-helix and PPII/β regions in the Ramachandran plot, commonly populated by linear peptides and proteins. Our findings suggest that re-parameterization of a force field that well describes the full Ramachandran plot is necessary to accurately model cyclic peptides.
An Analysis of the Phylogenetic Relationships in the Wintergreen Group (Diplycosia, Gaultheria, Pernettya, Tepuia; Ericaceae)

Abstract Evolutionary relationships within the wintergreen group (Gaultheria, Pernettya, Diplycosia, and Tepuia) are poorly understood and little studied. This study analyzes molecular data (matK, nrITS, and atpB-rbcL spacer) from 34 representatives of the wintergreen group and 19 outgroups in order to determine the phylogenetic position of the wintergreen group within the “Andromedeae” and examine phylogenetic relationships among taxa currently placed in Gaultheria, Pernettya, and Diplycosia. Results show that the wintergreen group is monophyletic and is sister to a clade that contains Chamadaphne and Eubotrys. Gaultheria is likely paraphyletic, with both Pernettya and Diplycosia derived from within it. Pernettya, as sampled, is not monophyletic, P. tasmanica does not form a clade with other species of Pernettya. Diplycosia is monophyletic and sister to G. cumingiana. Although the matK analysis suggests that Tepuia may be sister to the clade containing Gaultheria, Pernettya, and Diplycosia, bootstrap sup...
Pattern classification algorithms for real-time image segmentation

Algorithms for use with a previously published VLSI architecture for pattern classification are presented. This architecture is based on the evaluation of class discriminant functions without cross terms. Tradeoffs in architecture design have been required to allow high throughput, and the decision regions in feature space which can be generated using this architecture therefore form a restricted subset of possible decision regions. The properties of such decision regions and associated classifier training algorithms are investigated. Some experimental results are included. >
Alterations in the Immune Response of Nonresponders to the Hepatitis B Vaccine

The phenotypic characteristics of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) from responders and nonresponders to hepatitis B (HB) vaccine and their response to pokeweed mitogen (PWM) stimulation in vitro were compared. The nonresponders had significantly higher absolute numbers and percentages of T11+, HNK-1+, and T8+ lymphocytes. Also, after PWM stimulation, PBLs from HB-vaccine nonresponders had impaired IgG and IgM production and failed to produce antibodies to HB surface antigen in vitro. These findings suggest that healthy individuals who fail to produce such antibodies have a higher population of suppressor lymphocytes that alters their normal immune response to HB vaccination.
Differential tumorigenic potential and matriptase activation between PDGF B versus PDGF D in prostate cancer

The platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF A, B, C, and D) and their receptors (α-PDGFR and β-PDGFR) play an indispensible role in physiologic and pathologic conditions, including tumorigenesis. The transformative β-PDGFR is overexpressed and activated during prostate cancer progression, but the identification and functional significance of its complementary ligand have not been elucidated. This study examined potential oncogenic functions of β-PDGFR ligands PDGF B and PDGF D, using nonmalignant prostate epithelial cells engineered to overexpress these ligands. In our models, PDGF D induced cell migration and invasion more effectively than PDGF B in vitro. Importantly, PDGF D supported prostate epithelial cell tumorigenesis in vivo and showed increased tumor angiogenesis compared with PDGF B. Autocrine signaling analysis of the mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathways found PDGF D-specific activation of the c-jun-NH2-kinase (JNK) signaling cascade. Using short hairpin RNA and pharmacologic inhibitors, we showed that PDGFD-mediated phenotypic transformation is β-PDGFR and JNK dependent. Importantly, we made a novel finding of PDGF D-specific increase in the shedding and activation of the serine protease matriptase in prostate epithelial cells. Our study, for the first time to our knowledge, showed ligand-specific β-PDGFR signaling as well as PDGF D-specific regulation of matriptase activity and its spatial distribution through shedding. Taken together with our previous finding that matriptase is a proteolytic activator of PDGF D, this study provides a molecular insight into signal amplification of the proteolytic network and PDGF signaling loop during cancer progression.
Safety of bivalirudin in percutaneous coronary intervention following thrombolytic therapy

Objectives This study was undertaken to evaluate the safety of bivalirudin (BIV) use during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), following thrombolytic therapy in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Background BIV has emerged as a safer anticoagulant than unfractionated heparin (UFH) during primary PCI; however, its use in patients who receive thrombolytic therapy has not been established. Methods A consecutive series of 104 patients who presented with STEMI treated with full-dose thrombolytics and who subsequently received PCI within 6 hr was identified and analyzed. BIV use was compared with UFH for in-hospital bleeding and ischemic events. The primary end points were the rate of major bleeding and the rate of net adverse clinical events as defined in the Harmonizing Outcomes with Revascularization and Stents in Acute Myocardial Infarction trial. The study cohort consisted of 104 patients, of whom 47 (45%) received BIV and 57 (55%) received UFH. Figure 1. Time distribution of patients receiving intraprocedural bivalirudin (BIV) or unfractionated heparin (UFH) after thrombolytic therapy. [Color figure can be viewed in the online issue, which is available at wileyonlinelibrary.com.] Download figure to PowerPoint Results Patients on BIV were more frequently preloaded with clopidogrel, while intraprocedural glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors were used only in UFH patients. In-hospital death, ischemic events, and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction major bleeding occurred more frequently in patients treated with UFH. The net adverse clinical events rate was lower in the intraprocedural BIV group (3 [6.4%] vs. 12 [21.1%] UFH, P = 0.034). Conclusions The use of BIV in patients presenting with STEMI who were pretreated with thrombolytic therapy and who subsequently underwent PCI is safe and is associated with less ischemic and bleeding events when compared with UFH, and should be considered as the first line anticoagulant for these patients during PCI. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changes in blood flow and metabolism in locally advanced breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) is commonly treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by definitive surgery. The factors influencing the response of LABC to presurgical chemotherapy are incompletely understood. To characterize in vivo tumor biology in patients with LABC, we performed serial measurements of blood flow and glucose metabolism in LABC patients over the course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and compared measurements with response. Methods: Thirty-five patients with newly diagnosed LABC underwent 18F-FDG and 15O-water PET imaging before therapy and after 2 mo of chemotherapy. Tumor metabolism was estimated from graphical analysis of dynamic 18F-FDG studies and was expressed as the metabolic rate of 18F-FDG (MRFDG). Blood flow was estimated from dynamic images after bolus 15O-water injection using a 1-compartment model. Metabolism and blood flow data were analyzed with and without partial-volume corrections to account for changes in tumor size over the course of therapy. Changes in tumor blood flow and metabolism were compared with response to chemotherapy and with patient survival. Results: For all patients, the mean MRFDG after 2 mo of chemotherapy decreased by 54% and the mean blood flow by 21%. Responders showed a greater decline in MRFDG than did nonresponders; however, the difference was of borderline significance (P = 0.05) after correction for partial-volume effects. Patients who responded had a decline in tumor blood flow, whereas nonresponders had an average increase (−32% vs. +48%, P
KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES ABOUT PHARMACOTHERAPY FOR ALCOHOLISM: A SURVEY OF COUNSELORS AND ADMINISTRATORS IN COMMUNITY-BASED ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES

Aims: Medications, when combined with psychosocial therapy, can improve treatment outcomes in alcoholics; however, medications are not widely utilized in community-based addiction treatment centres. Of interest is how non-medical addiction treatment professionals in these facilities view adjunctive pharmacotherapies for alcoholism. The present report focuses on baseline data collected during the course of an educational intervention project and explores predictors of positive attitudes about adjunctive pharmacotherapies among community addiction counselors and administrators. Methods: Questionnaires were administered to 84 counselors and administrators at six community-based addiction treatment centres in South Carolina. Demographic data were collected, and knowledge and attitudes regarding the value of pharmacotherapies in the treatment of alcoholism were assessed. Correlation coefficients were explored, and follow-up multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine variables that predict scores reflecting the degree to which one values adjunctive pharmacotherapies for alcoholism. Results: Respondents had little knowledge of naltrexone, with average test scores reflecting no better than chance performance. In addition, most participants believed that adjunctive pharmacotherapy is ineffectual. Higher valuation of adjunctive pharmacotherapy was related to knowledge about naltrexone, having a post-baccalaureate degree, and years of experience in the addictions treatment field. Conclusions: These data support that more widespread use of adjunctive pharmacotherapy for alcoholism may be impeded by the fact that addictions counselors, who are often the first contact for treatment-seeking individuals, have a lack of knowledge and a lack of confidence in the effectiveness of such treatments. Directed educational interventions are warranted for this population.
Teaching and learning as a change process

To meet the goals of our educational programs, students must grow and change in their knowledge, skills and attitudes. To design effective programs we need to understand how to promote this change. A change process, based an Rokeach's model of the belief system (S.J. Ball-Rokeach et al., 1984), marker events as defined by D. Levinson (1978), and W. Perry's (1970) model of intellectual development, is presented. To create an educational system that will promote the desired change, we need well defined educational objectives and educational activities that will engage students in the learning process. First, we must be willing to change ourselves and to develop a support system to insure that the changes we make will be effective and lasting.
Physiological axial compressive preloads increase motion segment stiffness, linearity and hysteresis in all six degrees of freedom for small displacements about the neutral posture

The stiffness of motion segments, together with muscle actions, stabilizes the spinal column. The objective of this study was to compare the experimentally measured load–displacement behavior of porcine lumbar motion segments in vitro with physiological axial compressive preloads of 0, 200 and 400 N equilibrated in a physiological fluid environment, for small displacements about the neutral posture. These preloads are hypothesized to increase stiffness, hysteresis and linearity of the load–displacement behavior. At each preload, displacements in each of six degrees of freedom (� 0.3 mm AP and lateral translations, � 0.2 mm axial translation, � 1 lateral bending and � 0:8 flexion/extension and torsional rotations) were imposed. The resulting forces and moments were recorded. Tests were repeated after removal of posterior elements. Using least squares, the forces at the vertebral body center were related to the displacements by a symmetric 6 � 6 stiffness matrix. Six diagonal and two off-diagonal load–displacement relationships were examined for differences in stiffness, linearity and hysteresis in each testing condition. Mean values of the diagonal terms of the stiffness matrix for intact porcine motion segments increased significantly by an average factor of 2.2 and 2.9 with 200 and 400 N axial compression respectively (p < 0:001). Increases for isolated disc specimens averaged 4.6 and 6.9 times with 200 and 400 N preload (p < 0:001). Changes in hysteresis correlated with the changes in stiffness. The load– displacement relationships were progressively more linear with increasing preload (R 2 ¼ 0:82, 0.97 and 0.98 at 0, 200 and 400 N axial compression respectively). Motion segment and disc load–displacement behaviors were stiffer, more linear and had greater hysteresis with axial compressive preloads. 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Second World Congress on the Insulin Resistance Syndrome: hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and treatment approaches.

This is the third and final installment in a series of articles on the Second World Congress on the Insulin Resistance Syndrome, Universal City, California, 18–20 November 2004. At a symposium on insulin resistance, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) cosponsored by the European Group for the Research of Obesity, Hypertension, and Insulin Resistance, Albert P. Rocchini (Ann Arbor, MI) discussed the relationship of hypertension and insulin resistance in obesity. Potential explanations for the frequency with which insulin resistance and hypertension are associated could be the coincidence of two common abnormalities, the causation of one by the other, or, intriguingly, the existence of a common underlying factor. The first explanation appears unlikely, with a preponderance of evidence suggesting that the two conditions are related (1). It also appears unlikely that hypertension causes insulin resistance, as glucose uptake is not affected in experimental renovascular hypertension and because lowering blood pressure in individuals with hypertension does not necessarily improve glucose uptake. There is, however, greater forearm vascular resistance in obese than in nonobese adolescents, with glucose uptake across this tissue inversely related to vascular resistance, suggesting that vascular resistance may play a role in some aspects of insulin action (2). The converse, that insulin resistance may cause hypertension, appears more likely to be a factor. Fasting insulin levels correlate with systolic blood pressure, and the drop in blood pressure following weight loss is related to the improvement in insulin sensitivity. Interestingly, in hypertensive obese individuals, somatostatin decreases both the insulin level and blood pressure, suggesting an effect of hyperinsulinemia. Insulin can lead to sodium retention (3) and angiotensin II–mediated aldosterone production, can change vascular structure and function, can alter cation flux, and can activate the sympathetic nervous system. In both obese and nonobese individuals during water diuresis, however, sodium excretion decreases with a …
A Proposed Exercise to Reinforce Abstract Thinking for Upper-Division Computer and Electrical Engineering Students: Modeling a High-Speed Inverter Using Cognitive Representations and Abstract Algebra

In mathematics, physics, and engineering, abstract concepts are an indispensable foundation for the study and comprehension of concrete models. As concepts within these fields become increasingly detached from physical entities and more associated with mental events, thinking shifts from analytical to conceptual-abstract. Fundamental topics taken from the abstract algebra (aka: modern algebra) are unquestionably abstract. Historically, fundamental concepts taught from the abstract algebra are detached from physical reality with one exception: Boolean operations. Even so, many abstract algebra texts present Boolean operations from a purely mathematical operator perspective that is detached from physical entities. Some texts on the abstract algebra introduce logic gate circuits, but treat them as perceptual symbols. For majors of pure or applied mathematics, detachments from physical entities is not relevant. For students of Computer and Electrical Engineering (CpE/EE), mental associations of Boolean operations are essential, and one might argue that studying pure Boolean axioms are unnecessary mental abstractions. But by its nature, the CpE/EE field tends to be more mentally abstract than the other engineering disciplines. The depth of the mathematical abstractions that we teach to upper-division CpE/EE majors is certainly up for questioning.
NDCX-II pulsed power system and induction cells

The Heavy Ion Fusion Science Virtual National Laboratory (HIFS-VNL) is currently finalizing the design of NDCX-II, the second phase of the Neutralized Drift Compression Experiment, which will use an ion beam to explore Warm Dense Matter (WDM) and Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) target hydrodynamics. The ion induction accelerator will include induction cells and Blumleins from the decommissioned Advanced Test Accelerator (ATA) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). A test stand has been built at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) to test refurbished ATA induction cells and pulsed power hardware for voltage holding and ability to produce various compression and acceleration waveforms. The performance requirements, design modifications, and test results will be presented.
Proctored versus Unproctored Online Exams: Studying the Impact of Exam Environment on Student Performance.

Increasing numbers of universities are offering courses in online and hybrid formats. One challenge in online assessment is the maintenance of academic integrity. We present a thorough statistical analysis to uncover differences in student performance when online exams are administered in a proctored environment (i.e., in class) versus an unproctored environment (i.e., offsite). Controlling for student grade point average (GPA), no significant differences in mean overall course performance or exam performance between the two groups were found, nor were there any differences in the mean vectors of individual exam scores. The study reveals that the group taking online exams in the unproctored environment has significantly more variation in their performance results. In examining potential causes of the greater variation, analyses were performed to assess whether an increased level of possible cheating behavior could be observed from performance results for students in the unproctored section. No evidence of cheating behavior was found.
Survivors of Gendered Violence in the Feminist Classroom

This research note explores teaching about gendered violence in the context of liberatory education. It reports data on the incidence and types of violence in students' lives and shares writing by students who have experienced gendered violence and who are now participating in a feminist classroom where gendered violence is a topic of study. It concludes with implications from the data for effective teaching practice.
On the complexity of queries in the logical data model

We investigate the complexity of query processing in the logical data model (LDM). We use two measures: data complexity, which is complexity with respect to the size of the data, and expression complexity, which is complexity with respect to the size of the expressions denoting the queries. Our investigation shows that while the operations of product and union are essentially first-order operations, the power set operation is inherently a higher-order operation and is exponentially expensive. We define a hierarchy of queries based on the depth of nesting of power set operations and show that this hierarchy corresponds to a natural hierarchy of Turing machines that run in multiply exponential time.
Cancer registration in the United States.

Cancer registries are one of the most important assets we have in improving the care of individual patients and in developing effective programs of cancer control. The hospital-based registry, through the accession and analysis of cancer cases seen in that hospital, provides information leading to the improvement of patient care. Information from the registry permits the evaluation of care given in that institution, serves as the basis for the continuing education of health care professionals in that hospital and stimulates the improvement of diagnosis and treatment. Second, the population-based central cancer registry accessions all cases of cancer in defined populations, allowing us to determine cancer patterns among various populations, monitor trends over time, guide the planning and evaluation of cancer control programs, help prioritize health resource allocations and advance clinical, epidemiological and health services research (1). Both types of registries are essential parts of the current system of cancer registration in the United States and in turn are critical elements in local and national cancer control programs.
Nonconvex compressive sensing for X-ray CT: An algorithm comparison

Compressive sensing makes it possible to reconstruct images from severely underdetermined linear systems. For X-ray CT, this can allow high-quality images to be reconstructed from projections along few angles, reducing patient dose, as well as enable other forms of limited-view tomography such as tomosynthesis. Many previous results have shown that using nonconvex optimization can greatly improve the results obtained from compressive sensing, and several efficient algorithms have been developed for this purpose. In this paper, we examine some recent algorithms for CT image reconstruction that solve non-convex optimization problems, and compare their reconstruction performance and computational efficiency.
An individual welfare maximization algorithm for electricity markets

An algorithm that allows a market participant to maximize its individual welfare in electricity spot markets is presented. The use of the algorithm in determining market equilibrium points, called Nash equilibria, is demonstrated. The start of the algorithm is a spot market model that uses the optimal power flow (OPF), with a full representation of the transmission system and inclusion of consumer bidding. The algorithm utilizes price and dispatch sensitivities, available from the Hessian matrix and gradient of the OPF, to help determine an optimal change in an individual's bid. The algorithm is shown to be successful in determining local welfare maxima, and the prospects for scaling the algorithm up to realistically sized systems are very good. Nash equilibria are investigated assuming all participants attempt to maximize their individual welfare. This is done by iteratively solving the individual welfare maximization algorithm until all individuals stop modifying their bids.
Successful treatment of severe hypokalemia in a dog with acute kidney injury caused by leptospirosis

Objective To report the case management of a patient with severe hypokalemia resulting in cardiopulmonary arrest caused by infection with leptospirosis. Case Summary A 3-year-old intact female Dachshund presented for polyuria, polydipsia, and refractory hypokalemia, which progressed to flaccid paralysis and cardiorespiratory arrest. Following successful resuscitation, the dog was apneic and managed with mechanical ventilation while volume status and electrolytes were corrected. The dog showed rapid improvement allowing for weaning from the ventilator within the first day. The dog was identified as having leptospirosis causing severe kaliuresis (fractional excretion of potassium 31%). Following discharge from hospital, the dog was managed with doxycycline, oral potassium supplementation, and spironolactone and made a full clinical recovery. New or Unique Information Provided This report identifies an unusually severe presentation of leptospirosis in a dog from a region where the disease is not considered common, which was successfully treated despite cardiopulmonary arrest on initial presentation.
Latino Male Ethnic Subgroups: Patterns in College Enrollment and Degree Completion

This chapter examines Latino male ethnic subgroups and their college enrollment and degree completion patterns. The chapter also offers recommendations to improve Latino male ethnic subgroups’ educational achievement.
The Terms of the Debate: Litigation, Argumentative Strategies, and Coalitions in the Same-Sex Marriage Debate, 1993-2008

Why, in the face of ongoing criticism, do advocates of same-sex marriage continue to pursue litigation? In recent months, Perry v. Schwarzenegger, a challenge to California’s ban on same-sex marriage, and Gill v. Office of Personnel Management, a lawsuit challenging section three of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, have created divisive debate. Leading scholarship and commentary on the litigation of decisions like Perry and Gill have been strongly critical, predicting that it will produce a backlash that will undermine the same-sex marriage cause. These studies all rely on a particular historical account of past same-sex marriage decisions and their effect on political debate. According to this account, the primary effect of same-sex marriage litigation has been the mobilization of conservative opponents of the cause. Groups like the Family Research Council and Focus on the Family successfully organized efforts to elect opponents of same-sex marriage and to introduce state constitutional bans. However, the historical account underlying these criticisms of same-sex marriage litigation is fundamentally incomplete. Leading studies have missed important effects that judicial decisions appear to have had on the rhetorical strategies and coalitions that define debate. Partly because of Baker v. State, a Vermont opinion, and Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, a Massachusetts decision, national gay rights groups like the Freedom to Marry Coalition and the Human Rights Campaign began stressing equality-based claims. Socially conservative organizations like the Family Research Council increasingly emphasized religious freedom or parental rights. At the same time, seemingly because of the decisions, alliances shifted. Labor and libertarian groups played a less central role, while civil-rights groups began shaping the alliances on either side. These developments may well prove to be favorable to the same-sex marriage cause. At this point, it is difficult to assess whether the changes studied here will benefit the same-sex marriage movement in the long term. However, without studying all the effects of same-sex marriage litigation, current conclusions about its value are premature and potentially flawed. Litigation may prove to have been much more strategically advisable than some current scholarship suggests. At the very least, the litigation campaign should be judged not by an incomplete historical account but by an assessment of its full impact. Baker and Goodridge did not simply increase opposition to same-sex marriage. Both decisions also appear to have fundamentally changed the terms of and players in the debate in a way that may have been favorable to the same-sex marriage cause.
A checklist of the New World chafers (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae)

A checklist and bibliography of the New World Melolonthinae are presented. As of 31 December 2002, the New World melolonthine fauna consists of 11 tribes, 122 genera, and 2,705 valid species, including 11 fossil species. The checklist is a synthesis of the tribal classifications of Blackwelder (1944), Britton (1978) and Evans (2002). Seven new combinations, eleven replacement names, and eight new synonymsare recognized. Thirteen varietal names were evalutated and determined to be subspecific in rank. The type species of 21 genera are here designated. Three genera and one species are listed as incertae sedis . Since the catalogs of Dalla Torre (1912, 1913) and Blackwelder (1944) two genera and two species have been removed from the New World Melolonthinae. Sericoides nossi Martinez, 1971 and Sericoides rechencqui Martinez, 1971 are nomina nuda.
Penetration testing on cloud---case study with owncloud

The cloud computing techniques bring different security challenges. In this paper, we set up ownCloud as the example cloud computing infrastructure. Then we present our work process and results of a series of penetration testing performed on the ownCloud. We also analyse these results and give key recommendations for addressing the identified vulnerabilities. Keywords: cloud computing, security, penetration tesing, owncloud
Reinventing the leaf: multiple origins of leaf-like wings in katydids (Orthoptera : Tettigoniidae)

Insects have developed incredible means to avoid detection by predators. At least five insect orders have species that resemble leaves. Katydids (Orthoptera : Tettigoniidae) are the most diverse and wide-ranging of the leaf-like insects. At least 14 of the 20 extant katydid subfamilies contain species with leaf-like wings. Although it is undisputed that many katydids resemble leaves, methods for delineating the leaf-like from non-leaf-like forms have varied by author and in many cases are not explicitly stated. We provide a simple ratio method that can be used to differentiate the leaf-like and non-leaf-like forms. Geometric morphometrics were used to validate the ratio method. Leaf-like wings have been independently derived in at least 15 katydid lineages. Relative rates of speciation were found to be greater in the non-leaf-like forms, suggesting that leaf-like wings within Tettigoniidae are not a driver of diversification. Likewise, throughout Tettigoniidae, selection seems to be favouring the transition away from leaf-like wings. However, within the large Phaneropterinae subclade, relative speciation and transition rates between the leaf-like and non-leaf-like forms do not differ significantly.
A MODIFIED WISCONSIN GENERAL TEST APPARATUS FOR USE WITH A VARIETY OF SMALL PRIMATES

Modifications of a Wisconsin General Test Apparatus are discussed which compensated for differences in strength and dexterity among three groups of primates: the golden marmoset (Leontideus rosalia), cotton-topped tamarin (Saguinius oedipus), and squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus). Stereometric problem objects were rendered immobile on the stimulus tray by use of imbedded magnets and steel plates. S's choice of objects was indicated by touching, not displacing, objects. Sucrose pellets served as incentives, were dispensed by use of a pellet dispenser, and were delivered into S's cage so that they could be picked up or licked up by Ss.
Impinging Shock Wave - Boundary Layer Interactions on a Three-Dimensional Body

As the practical flight regime extends farther into the supersonic and hypersonic regimes, the interaction between shock waves and the boundary layer that forms along a body will become more significant. These interactions lead to the potential for locally separated flows and high temperature regions on the surface. Because of the limitations of high Mach number wind tunnel testing, wind tunnel tests alone will not be able to provide the information needed to design these high Mach number aircraft. This study combines supersonic (M = 3) wind tunnel test of shock-wave boundary-layer interactions with computational modeling of the same. The particular interaction chosen was the impingement of a planar shock on the boundary layer on a von Karman ogive forebody with a finess ratio of 2.3 and cylindrical aft section with diameter of 5 cm. The shock was generated by a 10 beveled wedge mounted above the ogive-cylinder to provide a shock wave impacting on the cylindrical part of the body. Schlieren photography and oil flow visualization provided details of the flowfield around the model. Time-averaged surface pressure ports and a force balance were used to measure the interaction of the shock wave with the ogive-cylinder body. In general the computational results compared well with the experimental results though several discrepancies were observed with each of the measurements. The results confirmed the existence of a shock induced horseshoe vortex around the cylindrical body, and found that the primary measurable lateral force on the ogive-cylinder body was Cy = −0.081 in the direction normal to the wedge shock generator. This normal force was primarily due to the sharp pressure rise induced near the initial point of impact of the oblique shock wave upon the receiver body.
Determining Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Micro Air Vehicle Using Motion Tracking

Measuring flight characteristics of micro-UAVs is challenging because of their small size and low weight. These constraints prevent the use of conventional onboard measurement systems. The objective of this research was to capture the state information of a radio controlled (RC) airplane using an off-board motion tracking system and to use this state information to study the performance of the airplane. The airplane used has a 37.5-cm (14.75-in) wingspan, weighs 11.5-g (0.41oz), and has throttle, elevator and rudder control. Using the motion track, a time history of the position and attitude was recorded. This paper presents methods that were developed and implemented to calculate aerodynamic properties from the position and attitude tracking data. The lift and drag were estimated using data from uncontrolled glides and compared to predictions from thin airfoil theory. The state information was captured over multiple flight tests in order to study the airplane performance across various flight regimes.
Effect of Xiangdan injection on proliferation of rat mesenchymal stem cells

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of Xiangdan injection(XDI) on the proliferation of mesenchymal stem cell(MSC).METHODS MSCs were isolated from rat bone and passaged under the same culture conditions,MSCs of the 3th generation were selected for induction with XDI in five consistency in vitro.MSCs were marked by Brdu.The proliferation of mesenchymal stem cell were detected by MTT and immuno-cytochemistry.RESULTS MSC proliferation in three higher concentration groups of five increased comparing with control group(P0.05) in vitro;MSCs labelled rate by Brdu in XDI group was higher than control group(P0.05). CONCLUSION XDI can improve proliferation of MSCs.
Generation of Hydrogen and Methane during Experimental Low-Temperature Reaction of Ultramafic Rocks with Water.

Abstract Serpentinization of ultramafic rocks is widely recognized as a source of molecular hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) to support microbial activity, but the extent and rates of formation of these compounds in low-temperature, near-surface environments are poorly understood. Laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the production of H2 and CH4 during low-temperature reaction of water with ultramafic rocks and minerals. Experiments were performed by heating olivine or harzburgite with aqueous solutions at 90°C for up to 213 days in glass bottles sealed with butyl rubber stoppers. Although H2 and CH4 increased steadily throughout the experiments, the levels were very similar to those found in mineral-free controls, indicating that the rubber stoppers were the predominant source of these compounds. Levels of H2 above background were observed only during the first few days of reaction of harzburgite when CO2 was added to the headspace, with no detectable production of H2 or CH4 above background d...
Tracking the behavior of UWB transmissions in invasive BCI applications

Ultra wideband (UWB) radio technology has been shown to have tremendous potential to support certain Brain Computer Interface (BCI) applications. To implant UWB transmitters inside a human brain to transmit ECoG signals from the neurons in the brain (collected by bio-implantable electrodes) to stimulators residing on the spinal cord or on muscles at different parts of the body (non-invasive), almost sounds like a sci-fi story. In order to make this sci-fi dream a reality, many aspects of the problem needs to be addressed. In this paper, we attempt to study one such aspect. Specifically, we study the behavior of UWB transmissions through the human brain, primarily focusing on the behavior of the signal when it traverses through human blood in the brain before it can be received by the receiver planted on the surface of the human body (spinal cord, upper limbs, etc). We have performed in-depth numerical analysis through theoretical and experimental procedures which has helped us gain insight into the attenuation, delay and transmit power properties of the signal at different frequencies within the UWB spectrum. We present these results in this paper. So far, there are no channel models available for UWB transmissions inside the human body. Our work, is a step in that direction.
Pentraxin 3 is an anti-inflammatory protein associated with lipid-induced interleukin 10 in vitro

Abstract Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is an acute phase protein expressed in response to pro-inflammatory stimuli during atherosclerosis. However, recent findings suggest that PTX3 is a counter-regulatory protein which enhances the anti-inflammatory response. Objective Therefore, the capacity of PTX3 to alter the inflammatory milieu following in vitro stimulation of PBMCs with the pro-inflammatory lipid, palmitate, was examined. Methods PBMCs from 17 healthy male donors were isolated and cultured under four separate conditions; 200 μmol/L palmitate, a physiologically relevant concentration of PTX3, in combination (pal + PTX3), and an unstimulated time-course control. Results Palmitate-induced production of the counter-regulatory protein PTX3 was positively associated with the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10) following in vitro stimulation of human PBMCs. Furthermore, stimulation of PBMCs in vitro with 500 pg/mL PTX3 elicited a significantly greater increase in IL-10 production compared to the palmitate stimulated conditions. However, PTX3 stimulation did not result in the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha, and when combined with palmitate, did not alter the pro-inflammatory milieu from PBMCs in this study. Conclusion These findings provide evidence supporting the role of PTX3 as a mediator of the anti-inflammatory response in physiologically relevant conditions, and suggests that PTX3 counter regulates the development of atherosclerosis by enhancing the production of IL-10.
On Torsion of Prismatic Bodies

The method of decaying residual solution is applied to obtain an approximate interior solution for the torsion of slender prismatic elastic bodies under different end conditions. The approximate solution is generally accurate up to terms that are exponentially small in the length-to-cross-sectional-width ratio. For stress end conditions, the result is identical to the classical Saint-Venant torsion solution. Similar types of simple solutions, not known previously, are obtained for different types of mixed end conditions. For displacement conditions at both ends, the corresponding Saint-Venant type result requires an accurate solution of a canonical problem for a semi-infinite prismatic body that is to be obtained once and for all. The solution of the canonical problem is elementary for a circular cross section. The approximate interior solution in that case is identical to the known exact interior solution.
The response of semi-arid vegetation assemblages following the abandonment of mining towns in south-western Montana

Abandoned mining towns provide an excellent opportunity to examine long-term vegetation recovery processes. Analysis of data collected in five ghost towns in semi-arid south-western Montana indicated considerable differences remain after 45–77 years of recovery. Two measures of vegetation recovery, introduced grass cover and species richness, differed markedly between undisturbed sites and disturbed sites at four of the towns. Disturbances favoured the invasion of introduced grasses and greater species diversity. At the fifth town, the driest location, the presence of a native sod grass, Bouteloua gracilis , which can withstand severe disturbances, apparently inhibited the establishment of non-native species, thereby hastening the recovery process.
The nuts and bolts of the platelet release reaction

Secretion is essential to many of the roles that platelets play in the vasculature, e.g., thrombosis, angiogenesis, and inflammation, enabling platelets to modulate the microenvironment at sites of vascular lesions with a myriad of bioactive molecules stored in their granules. Past studies demonstrate that granule cargo release is mediated by Soluble NSF Attachment Protein Receptor (SNARE) proteins, which are required for granule-plasma membrane fusion. Several SNARE regulators, which control when, where, and how the SNAREs interact, have been identified in platelets. Additionally, platelet SNAREs are controlled by post-translational modifications, e.g., phosphorylation and acylation. Although there have been many recent insights into the mechanisms of platelet secretion, many questions remain: have we identified all the important regulators, does calcium directly control the process, and is platelet secretion polarized. In this review, we focus on the mechanics of platelet secretion and discuss how the secretory machinery functions in the pathway leading to membrane fusion and cargo release.
THE IMPACT OF STOCK MARKET FLUCTUATIONS ON THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELL‐BEING OF CHILDREN

The stock market crash of 2008 caused a severe impact to households. Earlier research has explored the impacts of a stock market crash on life well‐being, psychological stress, and adult health behaviors. We extend this literature by documenting impacts of stock market fluctuations on a range of child outcomes; including effects on both mental and physical health. We show a negative effect of a market crash on hospitalizations, child reported health status, sick days from school, and an aggregate health index measure. Both graphical and regression‐based analysis reveal that our results are not driven by a preexisting trend of declining child health before the market crash and extensive sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the results are robust to multiple empirical specifications. (JEL I15, E32, J13)
Rapid Quantification and Isotopic Analysis of Dissolved Sulfur Species

Rationale: Dissolved sulfur species are of significant interest, both as important substrates for microbial activities and as key intermediaries in biogeochemical cycles. Species of intermediate oxidation state such as sulfite, thiosulfate, and thiols are of particular interest but are notoriously difficult to analyze, because of low concentrations and rapid oxidation during storage and analysis. Methods: Dissolved sulfur species are reacted with monobromobimane which yields a fluorescent bimane derivative that is stable to oxidation. Separation by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) on a C18 column yields baseline resolution of analytes in under 5 minutes. Fluorescence detection (380 nm excitation, 480 nm emission) provides highly selective and sensitive quantitation, and Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (TOF-MS) is used to quantify isotopic abundance, providing the ability to detect stable isotope tracers (either ^(33)S or ^(34)S). Results: Sulfite, thiosulfate, methanethiol, and bisulfide were quantified with on-column detection limits of picomoles (μM concentrations). Other sulfur species with unshared electrons are also amenable to analysis. TOF-MS detection of ^(34)S enrichment was accurate and precise to within 0.6% (relative) when sample and standard had similar isotope ratios, and was able to detect enrichments as small as 0.01 atom%. Accuracy was validated by comparison to isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. Four example applications are provided to demonstrate the utility of this method. Conclusions: Derivatization of aqueous sulfur species with bromobimane is easily accomplished in the field, and protects analytes from oxidation during storage. UPLC separation with fluorescence detection provides low μM detection limits. Using a high-resolution TOF-MS, accurate detection of as little as 0.01% ^(34)S label incorporation into multiple species is feasible. This provides a useful new analytical window into microbial sulfur cycling.
Typicality Effect and Category Structure in Spanish–English Bilingual Children and Adults

Purpose The study examines the typicality effect in Spanish–English bilingual children and adults in their 2 languages. Method Two studies were conducted using a category-generation task to compare...