cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling the impact of keypoint detection errors on local descriptor similarity

This paper presents a mathematical analysis of the impact of key-point detection errors on the similarity of local image descriptors that are based on histogram of gradients. First, we derive a closed-form expression for the &#x1D43F;p distance between two descriptors, for general translation, scale and orientation detection errors. Second, we introduce a detailed analysis for the special case where translation errors dominate, using the &#x1D43F;2 distance. We show that the individual components which form the squared &#x1D43F;2 distance can be approximated using Gamma distributions whose parameters are computed in closed-form by our model. We obtain approximate closed-form expressions for the expected squared &#x1D43F;2 distances when translation errors are fixed or uniformly distributed. Finally, these models are validated using image patches extracted from two standard image retrieval datasets, by comparing the predicted distributions to the ground-truth.
A Simple Approach to Unsupervised Speaker Indexing

Unsupervised speaker indexing is a rapidly developing field in speech processing, which involves determining who is speaking when, without having prior knowledge about the speakers being observed. In this research, a distance-based technique for indexing telephone conversations is presented. Sub-models are formed (using data of approximately equal sizes) from the conversations, from which two references models are judiciously chosen such that they represent the two different speakers in the conversation. Models are then matched to the reference speakers based on a technique referred to as the restrained-relative minimum distance (RRMD) approach. Some models, which fail to meet the RRMD criteria, are considered "undecided" and left unmatched with either of the reference speakers. Analysis is made to determine the appropriate size (or length of data to be used) for these models, which are formed using cepstral coefficients of the speech data. The T-square statistic is used for speaker differentiation. Evaluation is performed based on the indexing accuracy as well as the amount of undecided speech obtained. The proposed system was able to yield a minimum indexing error of about 9% with a maximum undecided error of 18.5% , and an equal error rate of 11% on 245 files (with an average length of about 400 seconds each) from the SWITCHBOARD database
Mapping the literature of pediatric nursing: update and implications for library services

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify core journals and other types of literature cited in four major pediatric nursing journals and to characterize coverage of these resources in major bibliographic databases. The study was part of the ‘‘Mapping the Literature of Nursing Project’’ of the Medical Library Association’s Nursing and Allied Health Resource Section. It updates a similar analysis published in 2006 and determines whether citation patterns have changed over time. Methods: Cited references from articles published in 4 pediatric nursing journals between 2011 and 2013 were collected. Cited journal titles were ranked according to number of times cited and analyzed according to Bradford’s Law of Scattering and the 80/20 rule to identify the most frequently cited journals. Five databases were surveyed to assess the coverage of the most-often-cited journals. The most frequently cited non-journal sources were also identified. Results: Journals were the most frequently cited sources, followed by books, government documents, Internet resources, and miscellaneous resources. Most cited sources were cited within ten years of their publication, which was particularly true for government documents and Internet resources. Scopus had complete coverage of the most frequently cited journals, whereas PubMed had nearly complete coverage. Conclusions: Compared with the 2006 study, the list of top-cited journals referenced by pediatric nursing researchers has remained relatively stable, but the number of cited journal titles has increased. Book citations have declined, and Internet and government document references have increased. These findings suggest that librarians should retain subscriptions to frequently cited journal titles, provide efficient document delivery of articles from infrequently used journals, deemphasize but not eliminate books, and connect patrons with useful open-access Internet resources.
Exploring Energy and Economic Futures Using Agent-Based Modeling and Scenario Discovery

By illuminating a range of possible futures, scenario analysis has proven valuable as a means for organizing and communicating the many uncertainties associated with predicting the development of the linked energy, economic, and climate systems. Thus far, scenarios have mostly been defined according to a sequential, piecewise process in which experts create plausible storylines that are then used as inputs to formal models. However, as the storylines are drafted separately from model construction, it is often difficult for models to engage completely with scenario themes. As a solution, methods of ‘scenario discovery’ have been proposed which apply statistical techniques to sets of model simulations to identify regions of the stochastic parameter space that result in distinctively different levels of policy performance. In our previous work, we described a novel multiattribute scenario discovery method and demonstrated application to ENGAGE, an agent-based model (ABM) of economic growth, energy technology, and carbon emissions. In the current contribution, we further demonstrate the utility of this approach by using ENGAGE to generate socioeconomic scenarios relevant to a given emissions target. We find that population growth, improvement in labor productivity, and efficiency of learning-by-doing regarding carbon-free energy technology are the key factors driving the success rate in achieving the selected target. This implies that these features should form essential elements of the storylines underlying socioeconomic scenarios if they are to provide a meaningful exploration of policy efficacy. Such results are consistent with those of more conceptual approaches. However, by being derived from the results of a quantitative model, our formulation is intrinsically consistent with practicable modeling assumptions and specifications.
Pharmacokinetic properties of current antiepileptic drugs: what improvements are needed?

Article abstract-The pharmacokinetics of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) largely determine their ability to achieve and maintain concentrations that maximize their efficacy and safety. The term pharmacokinetics encompasses the quantitative assessment of changes of drug concentrations over time as a function of absorption, distribution, and elimination. Interaction among AEDs, and between AEDs and other classes of drugs, can result in undesirable drug levels. The pharmacokinetic properties of AEDs considered to be clinically most relevant include complete or constant bioavailability, availability of a parenteral formulation, elimination half-life or preparation suitable for once- or twice-daily dosing, linear elimination kinetics, no autoinduction of enzymatic biotransformation, and lack of pharmacokinetic interactions with other drugs. Both established AEDs (carbamazepine, phenytoin, valproate, phenobarbital, and primidone) and newer AEDs (oxcarbazepine, felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine, topiramate, tiagabine) are evaluated in terms of these properties. None of the currently marketed AEDs combines all of these desirable pharmacokinetic characteristics. However some of the newer AEDs have more favorable pharmacokinetic profiles. The main improvements needed are limited or no pharmacokinetic interactions, preparations suitable for once- or twice-daily administration, and availability of parenteral formulations.
Predicting post-fire tree mortality for 14 conifers in the Pacific Northwest, USA: Model evaluation, development, and thresholds

Fire is a driving force in the North American landscape and predicting post-fire tree mortality is vital to land management. Post-fire tree mortality can have substantial economic and social impacts, and natural resource managers need reliable predictive methods to anticipate potential mortality following fire events. Current fire mortality models are limited to a few species and regions, notably Pinus ponderosa and Pseudotsuga menziesii in the western United States. The efficacy of existing mortality models to predict fire-induced tree mortality is central to effective forest management. This study validated 54 logistic regression mortality models from seven published articles and two sets of mortality guidelines from two sources. Survival and a suite of fire injury metrics were monitored for 3654 trees representing 14 species that burned in fires between 2002 and 2009 in the Pacific Northwest, USA. Tree species included Abies amabilis, A. concolor, A. grandis, A. lasiocarpa, Calocedrus decurrens, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, C. nootkatensis, Thuja plicata, Pinus contorta, P. lambertiana, P. monticola, Picea engelmannii, Larix occidentalis, and Tsuga heterophylla. Existing logistic models adequately described post-fire mortality of A. concolor, A. lasiocarpa, C. decurrens, C. lawsoniana, L. occidentalis, P. engelmannii, P. contorta, and P. lambertiana. We also evaluated predictive accuracy of two published mortality guidelines that apply to species in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to validating existing models, we also developed new logistic regression models and simplified mortality guidelines, or thresholds. We created new logistic regression models for species with adequate sample size and which had no existing species-specific model (A. amabilis, A. grandis, P. monticola, and T. heterophylla). Most recommended models contained a crown scorch term and either a cambium injury term or a bark beetle infestation term. New post-fire mortality thresholds were developed for A. amabilis, A. concolor, A. grandis, P. contorta, P. lambertiana, P. monticola, P. engelmannii, L. occidentalis, and T. heterophylla. We were not able to validate or develop acceptable logistic mortality models or thresholds for C. nootkatensis or T. plicata. Injury to cambium and crown were both significant predictors in all but one set of new thresholds. The validation of existing models and guidelines allows managers to determine which models will likely perform best and identifies knowledge gaps where no adequate models exist to predict post-fire tree mortality. The new logistic regression models and threshold guidelines provide improved accuracy, with simpler application for fire and forest management.
Snowpack time-series ground truth via a low-power datalogger

A useful means of calibrating remote sensing retrieval algorithms is by means of a time series of ground truth measurements at specific locations. For snow depth (SD) or snow water equivalent (SWE), ground truth regarding snow density and snow grain size stratigraphy is provided manually via snow pits. While the data is of high quality, this method is time consuming and labor intensive and thus precludes significant durations of time series data. A low power device is presented for logging snow temperature, density, wetness and specific surface area in a small region adjacent to the device. Low cost enables multiple devices to operate simultaneously to capture vertical stratigraphy or lateral variability. Operation, calibration, and initial measurements are presented.
Evaluating the Physiologic Effects of Short Duration Ultraviolet B Radiation Exposure in Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius)

Abstract Ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) is required by many vertebrates to stimulate the photobiochemical synthesis of vitamin D. Vitamin D plays many important roles in the body, including assisting in the absorption of calcium at the level of the intestines. Deficiencies in vitamin D can lead to the development of nutritional disease. Leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) are naturally nocturnal to crepuscular; therefore, it is not known whether they benefit from UVB radiation. The purpose of this study was to measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations in leopard geckos exposed to short duration UVB light. Twelve adult, male leopard geckos were used for this study. Blood samples were collected from the cranial vena cava to establish baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations. Once the baseline samples were collected, the animals were randomly divided into two groups. The animals provided UVB radiation were exposed to non-UVB producing light for 12 h and UVB for 2 h, whereas animals in the control gr...
Relation of Sex Hormone Levels With Prevalent and 10-Year Change in Aortic Distensibility Assessed by MRI: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND Women experience a steeper decline in aortic elasticity related to aging compared to men. We examined whether sex hormone levels were associated with ascending aortic distensibility (AAD) in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. METHODS We studied 1,345 postmenopausal women and 1,532 men aged 45-84 years, who had serum sex hormone levels, AAD measured by phase-contrast cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and ejection fraction>50% at baseline. Among these participants, 457 women and 548 men returned for follow-up magnetic resonance imaging 10-years later. Stratified by sex, and using mixed effects linear regression methods, we examined associations of sex hormones (as tertiles) with baseline and annual change in log-transformed AAD (mm Hg-110-3), adjusting for demographics, body size, lifestyle factors, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, hypertensive medication use (and in women, for hormone therapy use and years since menopause). RESULTS The mean (SD) age was 65 (9) for women and 62 (10) years for men. AAD was lower in women than men (P < 0.001). In adjusted cross-sectional analysis, the highest tertile of free testosterone (compared to lowest) in women was significantly associated with lower AAD [-0.10 (-0.19, -0.01)] and the highest tertile of estradiol in men was associated with greater AAD [0.12 (0.04, 0.20)]. There were no associations of sex hormones with change in AAD over 10 years, albeit in a smaller sample size. CONCLUSIONS Lower free testosterone in women and higher estradiol in men were associated with greater aortic distensibility at baseline, but not longitudinally. Sex hormone levels may account for differences in AAD between women and men.
Perspectives on casein interactions

Abstract Over the past 60 years considerable progress has been made on understanding the nature of casein interactions. Although there is ongoing debate, most researchers now view that casein micelles are assembled due to the concerted action of two major types of interactions, namely hydrophobic interactions, and formation of calcium phosphate nanoclusters across phosphoserine clusters. This paper provides the authors’ perspectives on these interactions, reviews evidence supporting the involvement of these two types of interactions, critiques some of the proposed models, and gives several examples where these interactions are manipulated to modify the functionality of dairy products.
Sex differences in the use of healthcare services among US adults with and without a cancer diagnosis.

Objective Cancer imposes higher burden on men. Sex differences in healthcare utilization may contribute to this problem. We compared healthcare utilization among adults with and without a history of cancer as measured by having at least one physician visit within the previous 12 months. Material and methods We analyzed data from 7,229 responders (weighted population size=211,722,892) enrolled in the 2007 Health Information and National Trends Survey (HINTS), a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized adults in the United States. We used survey weights in all analyses and variance estimation procedures to account for the complex survey design and used logistic regression models to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Study participants consisted of 2808 (48.6%) males and 4421 (51.4%) females. Overall, men were less likely to have seen a physician within the previous 12 months (OR=0.39; 95% CI: 0.31-0.48) regardless of their cancer status. Cancer survivors were more likely to visit a physician within the previous 12 months (OR=2.01; 95% CI: 1.28-3.19) regardless of sex. When stratified by personal history of cancer, men without a history of cancer were less likely to visit a physician (OR=0.38; 95% CI: 0.30-0.47) whereas men with a history of cancer were as likely to have seen a physician in the previous 12 months as women with similar cancer status (OR=1.24; 95% CI: 0.44-3.45). Conclusion Men increase their healthcare utilization to that of women only after they receive diagnosis of cancer. Targeted interventions to promote utilization of preventive care services by men are needed to reduce the burden of chronic illnesses including cancer among men.
STUDIES ON THE ASSOCIATION OF P-450 LM2 WITH NADPH-CYTOCHROME P-450 REDUCTASE AND WITH TRYPTIC PEPTIDES DERIVED FROM THE REDUCTASE

Trypsinolysis of purified rabbit liver microsomal NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase yields a large, soluble fragment capable of reducing cytochrome c but not P-450 LM , and a small fragment or “tail peptide” which has been isolated and shown by its solubility and amino acid composition to be hydrophobic in nature. The large fragment is unable to bind to the cytochrome, as shown by gel exclusion chromatography and difference spectrophotometry. These and other experiments indicate that the hydrophobic tail peptide is required for formation of a functional complex between the reductase and P-450 LM in the reconstituted hydroxylation system.
Practical implementation and evaluation of deep reinforcement learning control for a radiant heating system

Deep reinforcement learning (DRL) has become a popular optimal control method in recent years. This is mainly because DRL has the potential to solve the optimal control problems with complex process dynamics, such as the optimal control for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. However, DRL control for HVAC systems has not been well studied. There is limited research on the real-life implementation and evaluation of this method. This study implements and deploys a DRL control method for a radiant heating system in a real-life office building for energy efficiency. A physics-based model for the heating system is first created and then calibrated using the measured building operation data. After that, the model is used as a simulator to train the DRL agent. The trained agent is then deployed in the actual heating system, and a smartphone App is used to let the occupants submit their thermal preferences to the DRL agent. It is found the DRL control method can save 16.6% to 18.2% heating demand compared to the old rule-based control logic over the three-month deployment period. However, several limitations of this study are found, such as the low participation rate of the App-based thermal preference feedback system, inefficient DRL training, and the requirement for a large amount of building data.
Design and synthesis of fluorescently labeled steroidal antiestrogens.

Abstract A set of derivatives of 11β-(4-oxyphenyl)estradiol were prepared as potential fluorescent imaging agents for the evaluation of the estrogen receptor. The compounds were designed based on the established affinity and selectivity of 11β-[4-(dimethylethoxy)phenyl]estradiol (RU39411) as an estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist. The 5-(dimethylamino) naphathalene-1-sulfonyl (dansyl) and 7-nitrobenzo[c][1,2,5] oxadiaol-4-yl (NBD) moieties were selected based on their fluorescent and physicochemical properties. A convergent synthesis was developed that culminated in the [3 + 2] copper (I) assisted alkyne-azide cycloaddition coupling of the steroidal and fluorescent components. Good yields were obtained for the intermediates and final products, and the structural variations in the steroid component will permit evaluation of ER affinity and selectivity.
Recognizing Trauma In The Healer

A patient's painful death leads a physician to ponder the traumatic nature of the healer's role and the need to promote resilience in medicine.
Cu nanowire-catalyzed electrochemical reduction of CO or CO2

We prepared micrometer long Cu nanowires (NWs) of 25 and 50 nm diameters and studied their electrocatalysis for electrochemical reduction of CO/CO2 in 0.1 M KHCO3 at room temperature. The 50 nm NWs showed better selectivity than the 25 nm NWs, and catalyzed CO reduction to C2-hydrocarbons (C2H4 + C2H6) with a combined faradaic efficiency (FE) of 60% (C2H4 FE of 35% and mass activity of 4.25 A g-1 Cu) at -1.1 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode). The NW-catalyzed CO2 reduction is less efficient due to the extra CO2 to CO step required for the formation of C2-hydrocarbons. This experimental evidence combined with DFT calculations suggests that CO is an important intermediate and NWs provide a large Cu(100) surface for *CO hydrogenation (to *CHO) and *CO-*CHO coupling, leading to more selective reduction of CO than CO2 towards C2-hydrocarbons.
The Law of High-Wealth Exceptionalism

No family is an island. But some families would like to be – at least when it comes to wealth preservation – and they depend on what this Article calls the law of high-wealth exceptionalism to facilitate their success. The law of high-wealth exceptionalism has been forged, over the years, from the twinned scripts of wealth management and family wealth law, both of which constitute high-wealth families as sovereign entities capable of self-regulation and deserving of exemption from the rules that govern ordinary-wealth families. Consequently, high-wealth families take advantage of complicated estate planning techniques and highly favorable wealth rules in order build walls around their family fortunes and construct bespoke governance systems. Hiding in plain sight, the law of high-wealth exceptionalism protects, privileges, and enables high-wealth families in their own particular form of organizational sovereignty. The fact that high-wealth families operate according to their own rules might seem totally unconnected to the political lives and financial health of ordinary-wealth families. However, high-wealth exceptionalism intensifies old harms and creates new ones within the larger polity. To begin, the law of high-wealth exceptionalism increases systemic risk in financial markets, shifts tax burdens from high-wealth to lower-wealth families, and widens the wealth gap. Compounding these problems, high-wealth family exceptionalism facilitates the growth of a plutarchic and patrimonial system of government in which power is based on family wealth and privilege flows in a circuit between a small number of already exceptionally resourced families. Understanding how the law of high-wealth exceptionalism functions is, consequently, an important step in identifying hidden levers of wealth inequality and addressing the resulting democratic deficit.
A Hurricane Rapid Ecological Assessment (H-REA) Method for Small Island Developing States in 2017 and Beyond

Hurricanes can pose a greater threat for small islands if larger and more frequent storms are the future reality due to climate change. Apart from property damage, hurricanes can damage natural coastal communities and wash solid waste into coastal waters and wetlands. Our goal was to develop a rapid, synoptic survey method to evaluate what happens to the coasts of small islands after hurricanes. This study reports on the development of a hurricane rapid ecological assessment method (H-REA) that was carried out on small islands in collaboration with local communities. The H-REA focused on property damage, vegetation damage, flooding, coastal erosion, and solid waste accumulation in the coastal environment. The H-REA method was developed to evaluate the hurricane damage from Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and then applied to assess Hurricane Irma’s damage to both the built and natural environments in 2017. The H-REA proved to be an important tool for the rapid assessment of 2017 hurricane impacts on the southern Bahamian islands; results are shown for Great Exuma. The H-REA results highlighted the variability of damage across the islands as well as the value of coastal set-backs and protected coastal wetlands in reducing both property damage and the amount of solid waste, including plastics, entering the coastal oceans. A spatial database was established to visualize the patterns of building damage, flooding, and vegetation loss; the spatial database allows for the assessment of damage from successive hurricanes.
Measurement of dc Arc-flash Incident Energy in Large-Scale Photovoltaic Plants: A Basis for Standardization

The deployment of high-power dc equipment is increasing in solar photovoltaic (PV) plants, but very few studies have quantified dc arc-flash risks. Currently, PV plant owners and operators rely on theoretical, simplified models, such as those in NFPA-70E and other publications, for the assessment of risk associated with dc arc-flash. This article presents an overview of arc-flash risks in a PV system based on a series of field experiments based on IEEE-1584 in two large-scale ground-mounted PV plants. The experiments include various high-power dc equipment of a PV plant, such as central inverters, combiner boxes, recombiner boxes, string inverters, and multiple configurations of electrodes in a 20-in calibration cube. The study reveals that none of the available dc arc-flash models are applicable for a PV plant. This work is an important first step toward developing an improved model that more accurately assesses dc arc-flash risk in a PV plant.
A Critical Review of the Role of Thin Liquid Films for Modified Salinity Brine Recovery Processes

Abstract Low salinity water injection (LSWI) is the process of injecting modified salinity brine with controlled ionic composition to achieve increased oil recovery compared to conventional waterflooding. This paper reviews the most recent advances in proposed low salinity mechanisms, but specifically emphasizes the role of thin liquid films in crude oil/brine/rock systems. Importantly, thin water films on rock surfaces affect hydraulic resistance of pore channels as well as phase-trapping mechanisms. As films become thicker, they provide greater lubrication of oil droplets and hence, flow resistance decreases. Consequently, films dictate oil and water distribution in porous media and determine the wettability of crude oil/brine/rock systems under static and dynamic conditions. The stability of the thin water films depends on the interactions between the oil/brine and the calcite/brine interfaces through van der Waals, electrostatic, and structural forces.
Cooperative energy transfer among Pr/sup 3 +/ ions in LaF/sub 3/

We report the discovery of population in the /sup 1/S/sub 0/ state (46 986 cm/sup -1/) of Pr/sup 3 +/ following the excitation of the /sup 3/P/sub 0/ state (20 925 cm/sup -1/) by a 477.8-nm pulse laser. The energy upconversion is attributed to a cooperative energy transfer from a pair of Pr/sup 3 +/ ions in the /sup 3/P/sub 0/ state to a nearby ion in the same state. A PrF/sub 3/ crystal and three LaF/sub 3/:Pr/sup 3 +/ crystals doped with 10, 20, and 60 at. % Pr/sup 3 +/ are tested in our experiment. The lifetime of the /sup 1/S/sub 0/ state and the decay of the /sup 3/P/sub 0/ state of each of the crystals are investigated. The results are used to solve the rate equations for calculating the temporal variations of the populations in the /sup 1/S/sub 0/ state in different crystals. The calculated result agrees with the measured variation of the uv emission ( /sup 1/S/sub 0/..-->.. /sup 3/P/sub 1/+ /sup 1/I6 393 nm).
Encouraging domestic innovation by protecting foreign intellectual property

Abstract This paper examines the relationship of respect for foreign intellectual property (IP) and domestic innovation. In a global economy, countries may choose to protect the IP of their own citizens, foreigners, or both or neither. We develop a model that shows that countries will have higher levels of innovation when respecting both domestic and foreign intellectual property. We test this prediction and show that domestic innovation is positively related to respect for both foreign and domestic IP. Intuitively, respect for domestic IP encourages innovation. We demonstrate the less intuitive case that protection of foreign IP further incentivizes domestic innovation.
Occupational Asthma

Occupational asthma is the most common occupational lung disease. Work-aggravated asthma and occupational asthma are two forms of asthma causally related to the workplace, while reactive airways dysfunction syndrome is a separate entity and a subtype of occupational asthma. The diagnosis of occupational asthma is most often made on clinical grounds. The gold standard test, specific inhalation challenge, is rarely used. Low molecular weight isocyanates are the most common compounds that cause occupational asthma. Workers with occupational asthma secondary to low molecular weight agents may not have elevated specific IgE levels. The mechanisms of occupational asthma associated with these compounds are partially described. Not all patients with occupational asthma will improve after removal from the workplace.
Communication and Information in Organizations and Groups

The exchange of information is a defining characteristic distinguishing individual from group problem-solving. As Ong observes, this exchange is not straightforward. Merely requesting information leads to inferences and reactions by the person[s] communicated with. In this chapter we look at a variety of factors that affect the way groups handle information. We examine the impact of organizational context that determines not only group composition, but also the criteria used in decision-making and how groups exchange and interpret information. We briefly consider the role of formal and informal communications in coordination, especially in the context of software development. We consider how the information that groups exchange, store, recall, and process in the course of problem-solving is highly dependent on the availability characteristics of the information, that is whether it is initially common, unique, or partially shared among its members. We examine how groups interpret information and decide what information is attended to in the first place, including issues related to opinion formation such as the relative role of information influence versus normative influence and the affect of computer-support on the importance of these factors. We examine the role of information push and information pull in face-to-face versus computer-supported environments, and conclude the chapter with an empirical study of the information needs of software developers.
Securing the node of an active network

Active networks aim to provide a software framework that enables network applications to customize the processing of their communication packets. Security is of critical importance to the success of active networking. This thesis presents a design and a description of the implementation for securing the node of an active network using active networking principles. The secure node architecture includes an active node operating system security API, an active security guardian, and quality of protection (QoP) provisions. The architecture supports highly customized and situational policies created by users and applications dynamically. It permits active nodes to satisfy the application-specific dynamic security and protection requirements. The secure node architecture can provide a fundamental base for securing the active network infrastructure. In addition to the secure node architecture, this thesis also presents the analysis of secure information flow using a type system. Information flow control is concerned with the right of dissemination of information. Secure information flow properly restricts the propagation of sensitive cryptographic data beyond the security API to untrusted environments. The analysis demonstrates that the type system can ensure secure flow enforcement efficiently and therefore provide additional security assurance for active networks. We describe the integration of secure node architecture into two active network software systems to demonstrate its flexible and innovative features and to present detailed performance results.
Modeling of a twystrode gun using FEAs

An inductive output amplifier twystrode has previously been considered. This device requires a miniaturized electron gun and FEAs are being employed. The advantages of using FEAs include the ability to premodulate the electron beam. Beam modulation occurs in the microscopic FEAs inside the electron gun area. The authors present results of macroscopic beam trajectories by using the Herrmannsfeldt trajectory code. In these simulations electrons are emitted from the cathode surface with energies in the range of 10 to 40 eV. The first gun design assumes a miniaturized Pierce type cathode employing FEAs. The emission of an annular beam is made at 0.03" of the cathode radius along the magnetic flux line of the pole piece field. Different electron gun geometries are also considered to protect the FEA cathode from back ion-bombardment.
Development of a robot with a sense of self

This paper describes our efforts to develop a robot with a sense of self using a multiagent-based cognitive architecture and control with three distinctive memory systems, namely (1) spatio-temporal short-term memory, (2) procedural/declarative/episodic long-term memory and (3) a task-oriented adaptive working memory. Such a robot may be called a cognitive robot. Cognitive robots share a number of key features with conscious machines. We are exploring the interface between cognitive robots and machine consciousness through an internal model called the Self Agent.
Radon-222 emanation and the high apparent lead isotope ages in lunar dust.

URANIUM–LEAD and thorium–lead ages for Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 lunar samples do not match and, furthermore, the dust samples seem to be older than the rocks. These experimental observations are generally thought to require some source of parentless lead1.
Multicast flow control with explicit rate feedback for adaptive real-time video services

The main problem complicating multicast video transport is variation in network bandwidth constraints. This paper presents a novel credit-based multicast flow control approach, which allows for potentially full utilization of all branches in a multicast tree at the expense of low priority packets losses. It uses hop-by-hop flow control as well as explicit rate congestion feedback from the destinations. The responsiveness, bandwidth utilization, video quality and fairness of the mechanism are evaluated through simulations. Results suggest that the proposed mechanism is capable of providing a high quality video service in the presence of varying bandwidth constraints.
The initiation of spermiogenesis in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.

Spermiogenesis in nematodes involves the activation of sessile spherical spermatids to motile bipolar amoeboid spermatozoa. In Caenorhabditis elegans males spermiogenesis is normally induced by copulation. Spermatids transferred to hermaphrodites as well as some of those left behind in the male become spermatozoa a few minutes after mating. Spermiogenesis can also be induced in vitro by the ionophore monensin (G.A. Nelson and S. Ward, 1980, Cell 19, 457-464) and by weak bases such as triethanolamine. Both triethanolamine and monensin cause a rapid increase in intracellular pH from 7.1 to 7.5 or 8.0. This pH increase precedes the subsequent morphological events of spermiogenesis. Triethanolamine or monensin must be present throughout spermiogenesis for all cells to form pseudopods, but once pseudopods are formed the inducers are unnecessary for subsequent motility. The pH induced spermiogenesis is inhibited by drugs that block mitochondria or glycolysis. Protease treatment can also induce spermiogenesis without increasing intracellular pH, apparently bypassing the pH-dependent steps in activation and the requirement for glycolysis. These results show that the initiation of spermiogenesis in C. elegans, like some steps in egg activation and the initiation of sea urchin sperm motility, can be induced by an increase in intracellular pH, but this pH change can be bypassed by proteolysis.
Giving credit where credit is due: Summary analysis of the most prolific authors in 15 high-impact accounting journals

Abstract The most prolific contributing authors to a set of high-impact accounting journals are summarized. These contributors are an unusually productive and successful group, accounting for a disproportionate share of the appearances in this significant set of the academic literature. Additionally, findings are presented demonstrating that the second tier of accounting journals tend to be dominated by the same researchers who dominate the top-tier journals, thus suggesting that getting published in the second tier of accounting academic journals may be as difficult a hurdle as publishing in the top tier.
Strongylophorines: natural product inhibitors of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 transcriptional pathway.

Rapidly increasing experimental and clinical data provides evidence for the role of hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) as a crucial mediator of tumor survival and progression. In our effort to identify inhibitors of the HIF-1 activation pathway, we screened fractions from marine invertebrates. Fractions from an extract of Petrosia (Strongylophora) strongylata potently inhibited the HIF-1 activation pathway. Strongylophorines 2, 3, and 8 isolated from the active fractions were found to be responsible for the HIF-1 inhibition with EC50 values of 8, 13, and 6 µM, respectively.
Pathogenesis gene families in the common minimal genome of Staphylococcus aureus are hypervariable

Staphylococcus aureus is a versatile pathogen that shows high levels of inter-strain genetic variability and positive evolution in certain pathogenesis-related genes. Apart from gene content differences, variability in shared genes may affect pathogenicity. Studying such variability requires that the common minimal genome (CMG) be identified. In this study, we have surveyed the CMG of S. aureus with respect to variability amongst orthologous family members, and determined that genes involved in pathogenesis preferentially accumulate variations. A negative correlation between variability of genes and their evolution was found, suggesting a preservation of host-specific function while exhibiting sequence diversity. Variation in key pathogenesis genes in S. aureus might predispose them to functional modulation, thereby playing an important role in evasion of host immunity.
Numerical study of polymer surface wear caused by sliding contact

Abstract The objective of this study is to interpret experimentally observed surface cracking and pitting caused by cyclic sliding contact. In our model, the fracture of two surface-breaking cracks in a homogeneous half plane is analyzed using the finite element technique. The half plane is loaded by a sliding rigid cylinder, which models a moving asperity. Stress intensity factors for the two crack tips are computed for complete loading cycles, and are used to analyze propagation of the two cracks. The maximum tensile stress criterion is adopted to predict crack propagation. It is shown that surface-breaking cracks have mutual shielding effects, resulting in decreases in stress intensity factors at the crack tips. The shielding effects increase with lowered inter-crack distance. The variation of shielding effects with crack spacing provides an explanation for the observed uniform spacing of surface cracks, while the effects of K I and K II stress intensity factors on crack propagation directions explain formation of surface pits.
The Effect of Rate Dependence on Localization of Deformation and Failure in Softening Solids

Localization of deformation and failure, a complete loss of stress carrying capacity, is studied for two rate dependent constitutive relations: (i) a Kelvin–Voigt solid and (ii) a viscoplastic solid. A planar block infinite in one direction is subjected to monotonically increasing shear displacements at a fixed rate. Geometry changes are neglected and attention is confined to quasi-static loading conditions. For the Kelvin–Voigt solid, localization precedes failure if there is hardening outside the band and softening inside the band while failure precedes localization if there is softening both inside and outside the band. For the viscoplastic solid, localization precedes failure when there is softening inside the band regardless of the sign of the hardening parameter outside band. For the Kelvin–Voigt solid, it is found that the localization time (or strain) varies logarithmically with the band thickness for small values of band thickness while the time (or strain) to a complete loss of stress carrying capacity has, in general, a different scaling with band thickness. For the viscoplastic solid, with plastic dissipation outside the band as well as inside the band, the strain and the total plastic dissipation to failure are nearly independent of band thickness for sufficiently small thickness values, with what is sufficiently small decreasing with decreasing rate sensitivity. Possible implications for grid based modeling of localization and failure are discussed.
Multiscale simulations of heterogeneous model membranes

This review will focus on computer modeling aimed at providing insights into the existence, structure, size, and thermodynamic stability of localized domains in membranes of heterogeneous composition. Modeling the lateral organization within a membrane is problematic due to the relatively slow lateral diffusion rate for lipid molecules so that microsecond or longer time scales are needed to fully model the formation and stability of a raft in a membrane. Although atomistic simulations currently are not able to reach this scale, they can provide data on the intermolecular forces and correlations that are involved in lateral organization. These data can be used to define coarse grained models that are capable of predictions of lateral organization in membranes. In this paper, we review modeling efforts that use interaction data from MD simulations to construct coarse grained models for heterogeneous bilayers. In this review we will discuss MD simulations done with the aim of gaining the information needed to build accurate coarse-grained models. We will then review some of the coarse-graining work, emphasizing modeling that has resulted from or has a basis in atomistic simulations.
Preparation and structure of PbZrO3 films by KrF pulsed laser deposition

Abstract PbZrO3(PZ) thin films crystallization by rapid thermal annealing (RTA) was studied using Raman-scattering spectroscopy, and the results were compared with those of x-ray diffraction(XRD) result. It was found to be strongly affected the kinetics of subsequent amorphous-perovskite crystallization by RTA temperature. The use of such post anneals allowed to make films of reproducible microstructure and texture [both (221) and (240)] prepared by RTA. The low frequency (<200 cm−1) Raman peaks for the PZ film disappear and three new Raman peaks occur at the 83 cm−1, 138 cm−1, 273 cm−1 respectively.
Factors Influencing the Mode I Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of a Rubber Toughened Thermoplastic Matrix Composite

The use of a rubber modified thermoplastic resin has been investigated as a method to improve the Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness of a unidirectional continuous carbon fiber composite. Test results show that the improvement in the fracture toughness is less than expected due to rubber particle agglomeration, solvent and molding induced crystallization of the matrix and poor fiber/matrix adhesion. The plastic zone in composites utilizing tough matrices can extend well beyond a single interfibrillar spacing. However, the development of the plastic zone is limited due to the failure of the fiber/matrix interface. In order to fully evaluate the potential of tough composites using toughened matrices, any improvement made in the matrix toughness must be coupled with improvements in the fiber/matrix adhesion.
Nutrition and Food Attitudes of School Children in Central Texas

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To describe nutrition and food-related attitudes of central Texas children in grades 4, 6–8, and 11. These data are from an initiative supported by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and USDA to develop and test potential survey instruments that could be used to monitor school-based nutrition efforts. The instrument was developed using focus groups of 740 children. This report is from 4–11 th grade children (n=392) in 12 schools in central Texas who volunteered to provide self-report information regarding their dietary intake habits, attitudes, and knowledge. Teachers administered the 20 minute survey during class. Over 80% of students in middle and high school appear to be confused about how to interpret dietary recommendations, although over 50% agree it is important for students their age to understand these recommendations. While 98% of 4 th graders believe they eat healthful foods, this proportion declines as students get older: 50% of 6 th & 7 th graders, 14% of 8 th graders and 28% of 11 th graders agree that they eat healthful foods. Students feel that nutrition is important: the majority of 4 th , 6 & 7 th , 8 th , and 11 th graders agree that dietary habits can influence the chances of developing heart disease or cancer (78%, 89%, 94%, 94%, respectively) and over 2/3 of 4 th , 8 th , and 11 th graders believe that skipping meals can affect their ability to succeed in class. Over 85% of all groups surveyed agreed that they like to try new foods. Obtaining information about student attitudes about nutrition and food-related behaviors can help to focus intervention efforts and tailor programs to specific grade levels.
Experimental confirmation of the lack of carbon isotope exchange between methane and carbon oxides at high temperatures

Abstract No exchange was observed between 1. (1) CH 4 and CO 2 at 500°C for times as long as 136 hr; 2. (2) CH 4 and CO 2 in the presence of a water-containing calcium montmorillonite at 200°C up to 32 days and at 500°C up to 10.5 days; and 3. (3) CH 4 , CO 2 and CO generated during the pyrolysis at 500°C of a natural lignite for times up to 180 hr. These experiments also indicate that the isotopic compositions of CH 4 , CO 2 and CO found in natural environments at temperatures less than 200°C are not regulated by isotopic exchange with one another.
“Don't Step on My Groove!”: Gender and the Social Experience of Rock

This article utilizes a symbolic interactionist framework to examine how gender is, and is not, salient in “depth-listening” practices. Based on qualitative interviews with male and female fans of contemporary “angry” rock music by female performers, the author shows that men and women engage in similar processes of cultivation (especially with regard to emotion) in depth listening, but that they also employ gender as a socio-semiotic resource to interpret their relationships to the music and artists differently and to evaluate what this music could mean in their daily lives. Gender identity is influential in how the music is constructed as personally transformative for informants and as having implications for social change.