cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SensCrypt: A Secure Protocol for Managing Low Power Fitness Trackers

The increasing interest in personal telemetry has induced a popularity surge for wearable personal fitness trackers. Such trackers automatically collect sensor data about the user throughout the day, and integrate it into social network accounts. Solution providers have to strike a balance between many constraints, leading to a design process that often puts security in the back seat. Case in point, we reverse engineered and identified security vulnerabilities in Fit bit Ultra and Gammon Forerunner 610, two popular and representative fitness tracker products. We introduce Fit Bite and GarMax, tools to launch efficient attacks against Fit bit and Garmin. We devise SensCrypt, a protocol for secure data storage and communication, for use by makers of affordable and lightweight personal trackers. SensCrypt thwarts not only the attacks we introduced, but also defends against powerful JTAG Read attacks. We have built Sens.io, an Arduino Uno based tracker platform, of similar capabilities but at a fraction of the cost of current solutions. On Sens.io, SensCrypt imposes a negligible write overhead and significantly reduces the end-to-end sync overhead of Fit bit and Garmin.
Inhibition of UVB-Induced Skin Tumor Development by Drinking Green Tea Polyphenols Is Mediated Through DNA Repair and Subsequent Inhibition of Inflammation

Consumption of green tea polyphenols (GTPs) in drinking water prevents photocarcinogenesis in mice; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect have not been fully elucidated. Using IL-12p40 knockout (KO) mice and their wild-type counterparts and an established photocarcinogenesis protocol, we found that although administration of GTPs (0.2%, w/v) in drinking water significantly reduced UVB-induced tumor development in wild-type mice, this treatment had a nonsignificant effect in IL-12-KO mice. GTPs resulted in reduction in the levels of markers of inflammation (cyclooxygenase-2, prostaglandin E(2), proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and cyclin D1) and proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6, and IL-1beta) in chronically UVB-exposed skin and skin tumors of wild-type mice but less effective in IL-12p40-KO mice. UVB-induced DNA damage (cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers) was resolved rapidly in GTPs-treated wild-type mice than untreated wild-type mice and this resolution followed the same time course as the GTPs-induced reduction in the levels of inflammatory responses. This effect of GTPs was less pronounced in IL-12-KO mice. The above results were confirmed by treatment of IL-12-KO mice with murine recombinant IL-12 and treatment of wild-type mice with neutralizing anti-IL-12 antibody. To our knowledge, it is previously unreported that prevention of photocarcinogenesis by GTPs is mediated through IL-12-dependent DNA repair and a subsequent reduction in skin inflammation.
Comparison between fluorescein diacetate and differential fluorescent staining procedures for determining fungal biomass in soils

Abstract Soil microbial biomass is often used as an indicator of the state of processes and fertility in soil, yet most currently available techniques determine the total hyphal length (active live + inactive live + dead), rather than viable (active + dormant) or metabolically active portions of the hyphae. Inability to determine which pool is being measured can result in large errors in developing models of fungal community dynamics. The development of a quantitative relationship between active fungal biomass and viable hyphae needs to be developed in order to produce accurate measures of below-ground processes. Fluorescein diacetate (FDA) determines the active portion of the fungal community in soil while differential fluorescent stain (DFS) is a putative vital stain. We compared the amount of fungal biomass determined using FDA and using DFS, in three soils from southern California to determine the degree the to which the pools determined by the two stains is correlated. FDA and DFS measured different amounts of hyphae in each soil type sampled, yet the two techniques measured the fungal biomass in the same order of magnitude at all sites, indicating that DFS is most probably a measure of the active fungal biomass in soil. While there were several possible explanations for the differences in the amount of hyphae detected by the two stains, the most probable is that there are differences in the physical location of the stains within the hyphae, as shown by staining pure cultures of fungi. The large effects of storage on the fungal biomass detected in this study indicate that soil samples must be sampled rapidly after removal from the field. These results suggest that DFS is an activity stain that is more suitable for large sample numbers, in that prepared slides can be stored and analyzed microscopically at a later date.
Using plate mapping to examine sensitivity to plate size in food portions and meal composition among college students

People eat meals rather than nutrients or food groups. Plate size may influence meal size, meal composition, and food type. To examine effects of plate size on meals, we developed a method we label plate mapping. A quasi-experimental study asked university students to accurately draw what they would like to eat for dinner on either a 9″ or 11″ paper plate. Coding plate drawings for total meal size revealed that students drew an average of 26% more food on larger plates. When plates were coded for meal composition we found that the biggest three food portions drawn by students were bigger on 11″ plates, with 70% of the overall difference in food area occurring in the biggest food. Participants drew bigger portions of vegetables on larger plates, while other food types showed little change in mean size. Gender moderated plate sensitivity for food types: women drew 36% bigger vegetable portions than men on larger plates. Smaller plates may lead to smaller meal sizes, but plate size may differentially influence composition of meals for men and women. These findings suggest plate mapping can be used to reflect meal conceptualizations and assess sensitivity to plate size.
Some convenient bounds and approximations for the many body Van der Waals attraction between two spheres

Abstract We derive an accurate approximation to Langbein's exact expression [J. Phys. Chem. Sol. 32, 1657 (1971)] for the Van der Waals force between two spheres. The resulting formula is comparatively easy to use for computation and appears to have better than 2% accuracy.
Teaching on information freeway: Building learning communities

This study presents the first empirical analysis of the actual classroom interactions to test the relationship between the instructional design elements and the overall meaningful interactions among Business major students. Eighteen online graduate Business courses, 9 from each of the fall and spring semesters, were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate analysis techniques. Findings suggest that the level of overall meaningful interaction among learners can be improved by dividing the students into smaller groups, using introduction sections, and limiting participation from the instructor. The results of this study can prove to be useful for practitioners, designers and instructors, who are designing, developing or teaching online Business courses.
Effect of large device capacitance on FICDM peak current

This paper gives solutions to the differential equations of the FICDM tester. Data and theory show that the peak current for FICDM tests increases as the DUT capacitance increases, but approaches a maximum that is a function of the tester field plate capacitance and becomes rather independent of the DUT capacitance.
On the stochastic independence properties of hard-core distributions

A probability measurep on the set μ of matchings in a graph (or, more generally 2-bounded hypergraph) Γ ishard-core if for some λ: Γ→[0,∞), the probabilityp(M) ofM∈μ is proportional to\(\prod\nolimits_{A_ \in M} {\lambda (A)}\). We show that such distributions enjoy substantial approximate stochastic independence properties. This is based on showing that, withM chosen according to the hard-core distributionp, MP (Γ) the matching polytope of Γ, and σ>0, if the vector ofmarginals, (Pr(A∈M):A an edge of Γ), is in (1−σ) MP (Γ), then the weights λ(A) are bounded by someA(σ). This eventually implies, for example, that under the same assumption, with σ fixed,\(\frac{{\Pr (A,B \in M)}}{{\Pr (A \in M)\Pr (B \in M)}} \to 1\) as the distance betweenA, B∈Γ tends to infinity.
Experimental differential cross section for electron capture from helium by 293 keV protons

The differential cross section has been measured for scattering angles less than 0.07 degrees with an angular resolution of 0.003 degrees FWHM. The differential cross section was found to decrease monotonically with scattering angle. In particular the node in the angular distribution, which had been predicted by some theoretical calculations, was not observed.
Millimeter wave rheometry: theory and experiment

A novel millimeter wave (MMW) rheometry is developed to determine the viscosity of fluids based on an unsteady film flow on an inclined plane. The method measures fringes due to MMW interference between the front and back surfaces of a fluid flowing across the field of view of a ceramic wave guide coupled to a MMW receiver operating at 137 GHz. With knowledge of the dielectric constant, the interference fringe spacing is used to calculate the thickness of the fluid layer. This thickness is then transformed into the viscosity by means of a simple hydrodynamic theory. Our results show that the MMW rheometry can practically distinguish between the 30, 100, and 200 Pa·s silicone oils. The geometry of the method allows for potential industrial applications such as measuring viscosity of the flowing slag down the walls of coal gasifiers. The MMW rheometry with simple modifications can be easily extended to measure important non-Newtonian fluid characteristics such as yield stress.
Developing a Maternally Linked Birth Dataset to Study the Generational Recurrence of Low Birthweight in Virginia

This paper examined the generational recurrence of low birthweight (LBW) among first-born singletons using a statewide maternally-linked birth dataset. An intergenerational dataset was created by linking 2005–2009 to 1960–1997 Virginia resident live birth data. Maternal information from the recent birth cohort was linked to infant information in the historic birth file using various combinations of mother’s name and birthdate. The linked dataset contained 170,624 records (87 % of all eligible records). The analysis dataset was limited to non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white first-born singleton infants linked to their mother’s own birth record (n = 69,702). Maternal birthweight was a significant predictor of LBW for first-born singletons. The birthweight distribution for both non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white infants was shifted toward lower birthweights for infants whose mothers were born LBW. Even after adjusting for known maternal risk factors in the current pregnancy, non-Hispanic black (AOR = 1.6 [95 % CI 1.4, 1.8]) and non-Hispanic white (AOR = 2.0 [95 % CI 1.8, 2.3]) infants had increased odds of being born LBW if their mother was born LBW. A mother’s early life experiences can impact the health of her children. These findings underscore the importance of applying a life course perspective to the prevention of LBW. Routine linkage of maternal and infant birth data is needed to strengthen the evidence base for policies and programs that address issues affecting maternal and child health throughout the life course.
Matriptase initiates activation of epidermal pro-kallikrein and disease onset in a mouse model of Netherton syndrome

Deficiency in the serine protease inhibitor LEKTI is the etiological origin of Netherton syndrome, which causes detachment of the stratum corneum and chronic inflammation. Here we show that the membrane protease matriptase initiates Netherton syndrome in a LEKTI-deficient mouse model by premature activation of a pro-kallikrein cascade. Auto-activation of pro-inflammatory pro-kallikrein-related peptidases that are associated with stratum corneum detachment was either low or undetectable, but they were efficiently activated by matriptase. Ablation of matriptase from LEKTI-deficient mice dampened inflammation, eliminated aberrant protease activity, prevented detachment of the stratum corneum, and improved the barrier function of the epidermis. These results uncover a pathogenic matriptase-pro-kallikrein pathway that could operate in several human skin and inflammatory diseases.
A modified technique of arthroscopically assisted AC joint reconstruction and preliminary results.

Surgical treatment of high-grade acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations has become analogous to ligament reconstructions elsewhere in the body with the goal being restoration of the native anatomy. Circumferential access to the base of the coracoid is essential to reconstruct the coracoclavicular ligament complex. Using some of the traditional open approaches, this access requires detaching the deltoid insertion and performing extensive soft tissue dissection. Also, poor visualization risks injury to nearby neurovascular structures. An arthroscopically assisted reconstruction offers the advantage of less soft tissue dissection and superior visualization to the base of the coracoid. We have developed a unique arthroscopically assisted technique that uses a subacromial approach to pass suture material and a tendon graft around the coracoid to reconstruct the coracoclavicular ligament complex. We describe our technique and preliminary results in 10 patients who have undergone coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction for high-grade AC separation. All patients improved subjectively with regard to pain and function at a minimum followup of 3 months (mean, 5 months; range, 3–18 months). This arthroscopically assisted technique has the potential to allow for safe and at least in the short term reliable restoration of the coracoclavicular ligament complex and provides an alternative technique to treat AC joint separations.
Ferroelectric plasma source for heavy ion beam space charge neutralization

Plasmas are a source of unbound electrons for charge neutralizing intense heavy ion beams to allow them to focus to a small spot size and compress their axial pulse length. The plasma source should be able to operate at low neutral pressures and without strong externally applied electric or magnetic fields. To produce 1m-long plasma columns, sources based upon ferroelectric ceramics with large dielectric coefficients are being developed. The sources utilize the ferroelectric ceramic BaTiO3 to form metal plasma. The drift tube inner surface of the Neutralized Drift Compression Experiment (NDCX) will be covered with ceramic material, and high voltage (! 7kV) will be applied between the drift tube and the front surface of the ceramics. A prototype ferroelectric source, 20cm in length, has produced plasma densities of 5" 10 11 cm # 3 . It was integrated into the Neutralized Transport Experiment (NTX), and successfully charge neutralized the K + ion beam. A 1m-long source comprised of five 20-cm-long sources has been tested. Simply connecting the five sources in parallel to a single pulse forming network power supply yielded non-uniform performance due to the time-dependent nature of the load that each of the five plasma sources experiences. Other circuit combinations have been considered, including powering each source by its own supply. The 1-m-long source has now been successfully characterized, producing relatively uniform plasma over the 1m length of the source in the mid-10 10 cm # 3 density range. This source will be integrated into the NDCX device for charge neutralization and beam
The behavior of small helium clusters near free surfaces in tungsten

Abstract The results of a computational study of helium–vacancy clusters in tungsten are reported. A recently developed atomistic kinetic Monte Carlo method employing empirical interatomic potentials was used to investigate the behavior of clusters composed of three interstitial-helium atoms near {1 1 1}, {1 1 0} and {1 0 0} free surfaces. Multiple configurations were examined and the local energy landscape was characterized to determine cluster mobility and the potential for interactions with the surface. The clusters were found to be highly mobile if far from the surface, but were attracted and bound to the surface when within a distance of a few lattice parameters. When near the surface, the clusters were transformed into an immobile configuration due to the creation of a Frenkel pair; the vacancy was incorporated into what became a He3–vacancy complex. The corresponding interstitial migrated to and became an adatom on the free surface. This process can contribute to He retention, and may be responsible for the observed deterioration of the plasma-exposed tungsten surfaces.
Detection of RET mutations in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2a and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis

Germline missense mutations within the coding region of the RET proto-oncogene have recently been described in patients with the dominantly inherited cancer syndromes, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2a (MEN 2a) and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC). To date, the sequence variations occur in RET exons 10 and 11 and alter highly conserved cysteine residues in the proposed extracellular domain at codons 609, 611, 618, 620, and 634. To expedite rapid screening of populations at risk of MEN 2a or FMTC, we developed a PCR-based denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) strategy that detects polymorphisms occurring at all five Cys codons in both RET exons using identical gel conditions. In this report, the screening results from DGGE analysis of 15 distinct MEN 2a and FMTC mutations are shown. Each mutation generated a clearly distinguishable and unique homo- and heteroduplex band pattern. Given the highly efficient, reproducible, and sensitive nature of this approach, DGGE is particularly appropriate for rapid, large-scale screening of patients. Since prior knowledge of the RET mutation is unnecessary for analysis, DGGE is potentially valuable for distinguishing germline from seemingly sporadic medullary thyroid cancer as well as identifying novel sequence changes. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The effects of hospital closure on mental health workers: an overview of employment, mental and physical health, and attitudinal outcomes.

This article examines the physical, psychological, and attitudinal impact of the closure of Central State Hospital (CSH) on its former employees. Eighty-five former CSH employees were interviewed at two points in time, preclosure and postclosure. Data on the psychological and physical health and employment attitudes of workers were collected prior to and eight months after organizational closure. Over time, workers had more positive attitudes about the hospital closure as well as reporting less depression, less work stress, and use of more coping strategies at postclosure. However, at postclosure, they also reported increased work conflict, lower income, and a more pessimistic outlook toward their future. Implications for hospital closure are discussed.
High asthma prevalence and increased morbidity among rural children in a Medicaid cohort

Background Urban children represent a group at high risk for asthma development and adverse asthma outcomes. Although rural children also encounter sociodemographic disparities that might be expected to worsen asthma, asthma in the rural United States is poorly studied. Objectives To determine rural-urban differences in childhood asthma diagnosis and morbidity. Methods We studied a statewide population of 117,080 children continuously enrolled in Tennessee Medicaid from birth through the sixth year of life, using linked Tennessee Medicaid, vital records, and pharmacy claims databases to determine asthma diagnosis and residence. Results The cohort was 45% urban, 23% suburban, and 33% rural. Compared with urban children, rural children were more likely to be white, have a history of bronchiolitis, and have mothers who smoked. Eleven percent of urban, 12% of suburban, and 13% of rural children met study criteria for asthma diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio for rural children, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–1.24; adjusted odds ratio for suburban children, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.14–1.30; with urban as the referent; P Conclusion In this pediatric Medicaid population, rural children had increased asthma prevalence and similar asthma morbidity compared with urban children but differences in patterns of asthma care and resource use, suggesting that optimal interventions for asthma may differ in rural compared with urban populations.
Automated multi-residue isolation of fluoroquinolone antimicrobials from fortified and incurred chicken liver using on-line microdialysis and high-performance liquid chromatography with programmable fluorescence detection.

Abstract Isolation of the quinolones, sarafloxacin (SAR), oxolinic acid (OXA), and flumequine (FMQ), from fortified chicken liver tissues, and SAR incurred chicken liver tissues was achieved by combined liquid–liquid extraction and aqueous on-line microdialysis using the automated trace enrichment of dialysates (ASTED) system. Analysis of tissue isolates after ASTED clean-up was performed using reversed-phase HPLC and programmable fluorescence detection. Overall recoveries of SAR, OXA and FMQ from samples fortified over a concentrations range of 1–100 ppb were 94, 97 and 87% with overall inter-assay variability of 4.2, 4.1 and 3.6%, respectively. Chicken liver samples incurred with SAR at three concentration levels also were tested by the ASTED method. The method exhibited high peak resolution (3.4–4.2 on average), a high signal-to-noise ratio, and demonstrated good precision. The ASTED–HPLC method overall had a lower limit of detection (LOD) of 0.2 ppb, and a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 1 ppb.
Normalizing Exploration Functions for Powder River, Denver, and Midland Basins: ABSTRACT

A method of normalizing exploration functions for petroleum basins leads to an effective basis for comparing their exploration histories. In this study, an exploration function of a basin is a plot of cumulative footage drilled versus cumulative oil reserves discovered. However, 2 different basins may have the same amount of absolute drilling, but one basin may be much smaller and therefore more extensively explored. It is more meaningful to compare exploration functions independent of basin size. One way to do this is to plot the cumulative footage drilled per basin volume versus cumulative oil reserves discovered--i.e., normalizing the exploration functions according to basin size. Exploration functions and their corresponding normalized functions based on historical data have been drawn for the Powder River, Denver, and Midland basins and their subdivisions. The subdivisions are horizontal depth zones, vertical well density zones, and the blocks formed by the intersections of those zones. The volume used for determining a normalized function corresponds to the volume of sedimentary rock within the basin, zone, or block under consideration. Results show that normalizing exploration functions makes a difference in the apparent extent to which a basin has been explored. Furthermore, the rate of finding oil and the forecasted total amounts of oil can be determined. Of the 3 basins considered, Midland basin is the best choice for further oil exploration. End_of_Article - Last_Page 483------------
Normal Variation in Leptin Levels Is Associated with Polymorphisms in the Proopiomelanocortin Gene, POMC*

We previously reported that our genome-scanning initiative had detected a highly significant linkage (log odds ratio = 4.95; P = 9 × 10−7) between a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 2 and leptin levels in Mexican American families. We now have typed additional microsatellite markers in this region, increasing this log odds ratio score to 7.46 (P = 2 × 10−9). This region of chromosome 2 contains a strong positional candidate gene, POMC. The POMC gene codes for POMC, the prohormone from which αMSH, ACTH, and β-endorphin are derived. Studies by others have shown that POMC-derived products are involved in the regulation of appetite and obesity. We have used polymorphisms in POMC to map its location within the 95% confidence interval of the peak for the linkage signal for the QTL. We also constructed POMC haplotypes using these polymorphisms and have found a significant association with normal variation in leptin levels (P = 0.001). We conclude that variation in POMC is associated with normal varia...
The pregeniculate nucleus of the monkey (Macaca mulatta). I. A study at the light microscopy level.

A study of the pregeniculate nucleus of the monkey (Macaca mulatta), in Kluver-Barrera-stained, and Golgi-impregnated material confirmed, with reservations, that the nucleus is bilaminar. The inner lamina extends anterior to posterior as a compact band of neuropil within the optic tract, passing from a dorsomedial position to occupy a more dorsolateral position with respect to the lateral geniculate nucleus. The neuropil of this lamina is formed from a plexus of very fine fibers, many having varicosities, which appear to make contact with dendrites. The outer lamina appears to be formed from that part of the thalamic reticular nucleus that is apposed to the lateral geniculate nucleus. Three types of neurons were observed in the nucleus: Type I are found only in the inner lamina; they have small (12--14 micrometers) spheroid somata with thin dendrites having terminal arborizations formed by long protrusions and axons exhibiting varicosities. Type II neurons in contrast are found only in the outer lamina; their cell bodies are large (21 by 33 micrometers to 26 by 37 micrometers) and polygonal, contain much Nissl substance, and exhibit thick, relatively spine-free dendrites. Type III neurons, which are the most common, are found in both laminae; they have medium-sized (13 by 27 micrometers to 19 by 40 micrometers ellipsoid somata containing moderate amounts of Nissl substance and exhibiting well-developed spine-bearing dendrites. Since the axon of the type I neuron impregnates and is found only within the nucleus, this cell is considered to be an intrinsic neuron; on the other hand, types II and III are judged to the principal neurons, as their axons do not impregnate.
Codependency of the Members of a Family of an Alcohol Addict

Abstract The aim of the study was to define and analyse the process of codependency, and to characterise its phases with a focus on the experience and behaviour of codependents towards an addicted member of the family. This paper addresses the results of the qualitative research component. Grounded theory approach was used, taking into account some of the ideas of symbolic interactionism, which, in relation to the studied area, appeared to be the most adequate method. An in-depth semi-structured interview had prepared only a basic content framework, so that the open questions allowed the free formulation of answers. The research participants were the members of a family of an alcoholic person, i.e. the parents, siblings and partner. One of the outcomes of the research was the creation of a process model for codependency, focusing on the experience and behaviour of codependents. Some of the facts that may be helpful for the intervention by a social worker, with dependent family members within their cultural context, are pointed out. In the axial coding, the following categories were determined: codependency; causal conditions of the development of codependency; context (i.e. the particular set of characteristics in which it operates); the strategies of behaviour and interactions by which codependency is managed or controlled; the consequences of these strategies. The outcomes of the research are defined by the phases of codependency, namely: denial, anger, rescuing, sadness, hatred and reconciliation, invented by CITE SOURCE.
On the relationship between the premonsoonal rainfall climatology and urban land cover dynamics in Kolkata city, India

Empirical and modelling studies show that urbanization can have an impact on the environment. Relatively few studies have investigated urban effects on precipitation in India or other developing countries experiencing rapid urbanization. Furthermore, most precipitation-related studies for India focus on monsoonal rainfall. However, premonsoonal periods (March–May) account for 12–14% of the annual cumulative rainfall in eastern India. The majority of premonsoonal rainfall (PMR) is convective and caused by mesoscale forcing, which may include urban effects. In this study, the area under scrutiny is a large urban area in eastern India, Kolkata city. Herein, our goal was to (1) produce a comprehensive characterization of historical land cover dynamics associated with the Kolkata megalopolis, (2) provide a spatio-temporal climatology of PMR in the Kolkata region, and (3) identify possible associations between Kolkata's land cover and PMR. The analysis shows that the rate of change of urban land cover has increased by 50% compared to the period prior to India's independence in 1947. A multi-scalar time series analysis with Mann–Kendall statistics indicated statistically significant increasing trends in rainfall over the last 50 years for two Kolkata stations and a nearby downwind station. Furthermore, there was no significant trend for cumulative PMR in less urbanized stations, the country of India, or the East Gangetic region. This finding suggests that the anomaly of the three stations, showing increasing trends in PMR, could be the effect of urban land cover change. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Sharp upper and lower bounds for asymptotic levels of some statistical tests

Abstract Suppose that Z 1 , … , Z N are iid according to a distribution F that is symmetric about ζ. Three widely used tests of H 0 : ζ = 0 against H 1 : ζ > 0 are the t −, Wilcoxon and sign tests. Tests that reject when at least one of the above three tests exceeds the standard normal critical value u α are considered and sharp upper and lower bounds for the asymptotic levels are obtained. The main results are proved for a wider class of tests.
Hydrastis canadensis L. (Ranunculaceae) distribution does not reflect response to microclimate gradients across a mesophytic forest cove

Spatial patterns of understory plant distribution can reflect availability of suitable abiotic microsites. Hydrastis canadensis is a native, herbaceous perennial whose distribution may be constrained by microsite availability. We planted 5 transects each on south- and north-facing cove hillsides with clonally derived rhizomes of H. canadensis. Transects were spaced 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 m from a third-order stream. Because the transect 20 m from the stream on the south-facing hillside was adjacent to a natural H. canadensis patch, this transect was postulated to represent suitable habitat. We tested the effects of aspect and distance from stream on phytometer growth measures (survival, leaf area, and both rhizome and leaf area relative growth rates). We also monitored temperature, humidity, and light, then quantified environmental distances for these measures between each transect location and the transect in suitable habitat. Plant growth measures were then regressed on these distances to test hypotheses about factor effects. Neither survival nor relative growth rates depended on aspect or distance from the stream, although leaf area was greater on the north-facing aspect in both years and increased with proximity to the stream in 2003. Rhizome relative growth rate did not depend on any of the environmental distance measures, although leaf area change depended on cumulative light, increasing as the environmental distance from the suitable site increased. The relatively weak association between environmental variation across the forested cove reinforces other studies suggesting that H. canadensis has a relatively broad ecological niche, and its rarity is unlikely due to lack of availability of suitable habitat.
Qualitative Data Analysis: A Procedural Comparison

Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) was developed for the purpose of creating efficient modes of qualitative data analysis (Fielding & Lee, 1998). Despite these developments, many social scientists continue to advocate manual data analysis techniques (Hammersley & Atkinson, 1995). Given the rapid development of computerized methods of data analysis amid the continued call for the use of naturalistic inquiry in sport psychology research, the aim of this research note was to compare manual and computerized data analysis techniques. Results highlight the advantages, disadvantages, and commonly held assumptions of the use of CAQDAS.
Dietary fat substitutes

This paper discusses the role fat plays in the diet. It focuses on the types of fat substitutes, the appropriate foods for their use and the fat-like qualities they possess. Safety issues and the long term impact of fat replacers are also reviewed.
The elderly surgical patient—a high risk for hypothermia

Elderly patients have particular needs and risks during the perioperative period. The physical and psychological condition of each patient should be assessed to accurately determine and meet those needs. The risk of hypothermia can be avoided and/or treated by careful preparation of the patient and the operating room environment. Perioperative nurses can implement changes and precautions that will make the elderly patient more comfortable and minimize the complications of hypothermia.
The dynamics of the C + NO reaction

Abstract The vacuum UV photolysis of C3O2 was used to produce C(3P) atoms. These atoms then react exothermically with NO and produce CN radicals. The quantum state distribution of the CN radical was determined using a tunable dye laser and the results are in agreement with the previously observed rate constant.
Morphology of Diamond Films Produced by ECR-PACVD

Diamond films were produced at a relatively low pressures (<1 Torr) by the ECRs-PACVD method of gas mixtures containing CO (5%), H2 (95%) and traces of oxygen at substrate temperatures from ambient (no intentional heating) to 1050°C. Faceted surface morphologies were observed even at the lowest temperature of growth. The microstructure is dominated by octahedral crystals below 600°C, by cubic crystals at 800-900°C, and by multiply twined (111) crystals at temperatures higher than 950°C. The weak temperature dependence of the growth rate is consistent with hydrogen abstraction from the growing surface being the rate controlling step.
Technology Infusion: Preparing Teachers for Transition Services Through Web-based Cases:

To support the integration of technology in the K-12 special education classroom, teacher preparation programs must infuse technology across existing special education curricula. The purpose of this article is to provide a discussion and illustration of the possibilities for using microcomputer technologies and Internet access to enhance teacher education in transition-related issues. The article discusses the development of microcomputer applications for teacher preparation and proceeds with a description how transition-related curricula can be enhanced through multimedia web-based technologies. An online module using case-method instruction will be described, which is designed to help current and future teachers and school-to-work transition specialists confront issues and problems related to the transition of students with special needs to the postsecondary environment. The transferability of instructional programming to other teacher preparation situations and other cases studies is also discussed.
A boundary element method applied to sandwich plates of arbitrary plan form

A study is made of the bending analysis of isotropic, linear elastic sandwich plates with arbitrary shape and boundary conditions. The problem is examined by means of the indirect boundary element method (IBEM) in the context of the small-deflection, first-order shear deformation theory. The behavior of the plate is governed by a system of the differential equations expressed in terms of the potential and stream functions. The resulting boundary integral equations are formulated. The numerical solutions of these equations follow the routine procedure of the BEM. The numerical results obtained demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed technique.
Research in security of optic-based Information Communication architecture for next generation power system applications

As power industry enters the new century, powerful driving forces, uncertainties and new functions are compelling electric utilities to make dramatic changes in their information communication infrastructure. Optical networks no doubt will become the predominant data transmission media for next generation power system communication. Based on advanced fiber optic technologies, an optic-based Information Communication Infrastructure (OICI) is first investigated and proposed. Like any other networked solution, OICI, the combination of power grid applications and optical networks is not risk free. Then the vulnerability factors of real-time information applications in power system are disscussed. More especially, this paper present a systematic analysis of the security factors of OICI's physical layer, i.e. all-fiber communication networks. Finally, some methods for detecting intentional attacks upon the infrastructure are reviewed and a discussion of limitations and unsolved problems is provided.
An analysis of reported fatigue crack growth rate data with special reference to Ti-6A1-4V

Abstract A review of the published literature on fatigue crack growth suggests that power-law growth in Ti-6A1-4V is sensitive to microstnictural changes which result in variations in the fatigue mechanism. Microstnictures which promote secondary cracking along α/β interfaces display slow growth rates while microstructures which promote dimpled rupture display fast growth rates. Examples of similar effects are found in other alloy systems. Typically, the power-law growth are found in other alloy systems. It is also suggested that the power-law regime begins at ΔK ∼- 13 MNm − case3 2 , coinciding with the lower limit of striation formation on the fracture surface. The upper limit occurs at about K max = 1/2K c . At higher growth rates, the Forman equation appears to be adequate. The normalized stress intensity factor, ΔK/E , required to produce a given growth rate in Ti-6A1-4V is on the order of that for other Ti-base alloys, ferritic steels, martensitic steels and aluminum alloys. Austenitic steels, which deform by planar slip are much more resistant to crack growth over much of the stress intensity range normally encountered.
VOCALIZATIONS OF MENKE WHALES BALAENOPTERA ACUTOROSTRATA IN THE ST. LAWRENCE ESTUARY

ABSTRACT Recordings of vocalizations in the presence of minke whales Balaenoptera acutorostrata were made from a bottom-mounted hydrophone in the St. Lawrence Estuary, a feeding area for some members of the Northwest Atlantic population. Minke whale activity was observed from a hillside hut and notes were taken with regard to position and swimming direction throughout each recording. The vocalizations were correlated consistently with the occurrence of minkes and sequential sound levels were commensurate with the whale's relative proximity to the hydrophone. Minke calls were heard in 51% of the recordings examined in detail; calling rates were low (0.1 sounds/min—3.6 sounds/min with multiple individuals). The predominant call was a 0.4 sec downsweep in frequency, beginning at 100–200 Hz (median = 118 Hz) and ending below 90 Hz (median = 80 Hz). The change in frequency was variable, between 20 and 70 Hz (median = 42 Hz). Frequency and temporal characteristics of the vocalizations were similar to those reco...
Dissolution without disappearing: multicomponent gas exchange for CO2 bubbles in a microfluidic channel

We studied the dissolution dynamics of CO2 gas bubbles in a microfluidic channel, both experimentally and theoretically. In the experiments, spherical CO2 bubbles in a flow of a solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) first shrink rapidly before attaining an equilibrium size. In the rapid dissolution regime, the time to obtain a new equilibrium is 30 ms regardless of SDS concentration, and the equilibrium radius achieved varies with the SDS concentration. To explain the lack of complete dissolution, we interpret the results by considering the effects of other gases (O2, N2) that are already dissolved in the aqueous phase, and we develop a multicomponent dissolution model that includes the effect of surface tension and the liquid pressure drop along the channel. Solutions of the model for a stationary gas bubble show good agreement with the experimental results, which lead to our conclusion that the equilibrium regime is obtained by gas exchange between the bubbles and liquid phase. Also, our observations from experiments and model calculations suggest that SDS molecules on the gas–liquid interface form a diffusion barrier, which controls the dissolution behaviour and the eventual equilibrium radius of the bubble.
Avoiding Your Spouse at a Bridge Party.

(This problem was first proposed by the mathematician Pierre Remond de Montmort [6], [7]. A more complete discussion of it appears in this MAGAZINE in an article by Gabriela Sanchis [8] and in the excellent history of probability by Anders Hald [5]. It is also discussed in Brawner's article [1].) The well-known solution to this problem iS hn = EyO (-1j' which converges rapidly to e-l. The difference between this classical problem and the bridge couples problem is that in the bridge couples problem, it makes sense for one man to be paired with another, but in the hat matching problem, no man is going to select another man in place of his hat. In this note, I derive a nonrecursive formula for the bridge couples probabilities, and provide a simple approximation formula for computing these probabilities as well as a procedure for getting the exact probabilities to an arbitrary number of decimal places. We use the inclusion-exclusion principle from probability and properties of alternating series to find the nonrecursive formula and establish its limit as n, the number of couples, tends to infinity. Let bn be the probability that of n couples, no one is assigned his or her spouse as a bridge partner.
Parametric Analysis of Factors that Affect Asphalt Binder Foaming Characteristics

AbstractThe use of foamed asphalt binder to produce warm-mix asphalt has increased significantly during the past few years. It is recognized that (1) foaming characteristics of the binder influence the workability of the asphalt mix, and (2) different asphalt binders tend to foam differently with all other factors being the same. The causes for the latter are relatively less explored and is the focus of this paper. The research reproted in this paper investigated the influence of the properties of asphalt binder on its foaming characteristics. A physical model for expansion of asphalt binder foam based on foam physics was used to quantify the effect of water content, temperature, surface tension, and liquid additive (through its effect on surface tension) on the expansion ratio of asphalt binder foam. Analysis of results demonstrates that the bubble size distribution (up to a certain limit) does not directly dictate the maximum expansion ratio of the asphalt binder foam. The analysis also shows that only ...
TRYPTOPHAN PHOSPHORESCENCE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE AS A TOOL TO STUDY PROTEIN STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS

Fluorescence and phosphorescence resemble each other and in many ways can give the same type of information. Both originate from a dipolar interaction between light and the molecule. In this regard, both are polarized and subject to the same type of quenching phenomena. In other respects the information which they divulge are complementary. The fluorescence quantum yield is higher for exposed tryptophans and this is expressed in longer lifetime (Grinvald and Steinberg, 1976); in contrast long lifetime of phosphorescence appears to correlate with burial. Phosphorescence, spin-disallowed, is much longer lived than fluorescence. This allows the structural/dynamic characterization of proteins to be studied on a new time regime. A really remarkable finding of studies of protein phosphorescence is that there is such variability both in phosphorescence lifetime and quenchability. We would interpret this to indicate that the tryptophan environment can range from essentially a crystal, almost comparable in rigidity as found at 77 K, to tryptophans in a flexible environment, almost as flexible as free in solution. An interesting task will be to examine the relationship between the yield and lifetime of phosphorescence and details of the tryptophan environment in terms of rigidity and adjacent amino acids among the proteins with known three dimensional structure.
Histories of substance abuse, panic and suicidal ideation in schizophrenic patients with histories of post-psychotic depressions

1. Forty patients who had had syndromally-defined episodes of post-psychotic depression at least 6 months previously were interviewed in detail for life-time histories of substance abuse, panic attacks, and suicidal ideation. 2. No relationship was found between life-time history of suicidal ideation and substance abuse. 3. Statistically significant associations were found between lifetime history of suicidal ideation and both a life-time history of panic attacks and the panic disorder syndrome. Language: en
Exploitation of Sexual Signals by Predators and Parasitoids

Signals used to attract mates are often conspicuous to predators and parasites, and their evolution via sexual selection is expected to be opposed by viability selection. Many secondary sexual traits may represent a compromise between attractiveness and avoidance of detection. Although such signal exploitation appears to be widespread, most examples come from species that use acoustic or olfactory mating signals, and relatively few cases of visual signal exploitation can be substantiated. Because males are usually the signaling sex, they are more at risk from predators or parasitoids that locate prey or hosts by sexual signals; this differential selection on the two sexes can affect the intensity of sexual selection on male ornamental traits. The notable exception to male signaling and female attraction occurs in pheromone-producing insects, particularly lepidopterans, which show an opposite pattern of female odor production. Exploitation of such sex pheromones is relatively rare. We discuss reasons for t...
The linearized performance penalty (LPP) method for optimization of parametric yield and its reliability

A yield maximization methodology, called the linearized performance penalty (LPP) method, that uses a penalty function as its objective is introduced. The penalty function formulation allows the integration of the goals of circuit performance improvement and yield maximization. It is computationally efficient since the objective function can be evaluated with the computational effort of about one circuit simulation. Also, a simple, yet effective, method to account for operating point variations is introduced. The effectiveness of the LPP method is illustrated through several circuit examples.
Rapid detection of Pneumocystis carinii in bronchoalveolar lavage samples by using Cellufluor staining.

Cellufluor (Calcofluor white) has been found to be a useful, rapid chemofluorescent stain for detection of Pneumocystis carinii cysts in bronchoalveolar lavage samples. When compared with toluidine blue O and Giemsa stains on 45 specimens (22 positive and 23 negative), the sensitivity and specificity of the Cellufluor stain were 95 and 100%, respectively. Images