cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Declines and peaks in NO 2 pollution during the multiple waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in the New York metropolitan area

Abstract. The COVID-19 pandemic created an extreme natural experiment in which sudden changes in human behavior and economic activity resulted in significant declines in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, immediately after strict lockdowns were imposed. Here we examined the impact of multiple waves and response phases of the pandemic on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) dynamics and the role of meteorology in shaping relative contributions from different emission sectors to NO2 pollution in post-pandemic New York City. Long term (> 3.5 years), high frequency measurements from a network of ground-based Pandora spectrometers were combined with TROPOMI satellite retrievals, meteorological data, mobility trends, and atmospheric transport model simulations to quantify changes in NO2 across the New York metropolitan area. The stringent lockdown measures after the first pandemic wave resulted in a decline in top-down NOx emissions by approx. 30 % on top of long-term trends, in agreement with sector-specific changes in NOx emissions. Ground-based measurements showed a sudden drop in total column NO2 in spring 2020, by up to 36 % in Manhattan and 19–29 % in Queens, New Jersey and Connecticut, and a clear weakening (by 16 %) of the typical weekly NO2 cycle. Extending our analysis to more than a year after the initial lockdown captured a gradual recovery in NO2 across the NY/NJ/CT tri-state area in summer and fall 2020, as social restrictions eased, followed by a second decline in NO2 coincident with the second wave of the pandemic and resurgence of lockdown measures in winter 2021. Meteorology was not found to have a strong NO2 biasing effect in New York City after the first pandemic wave. Winds, however, were favorable for low NO2 conditions in Manhattan during the second wave of the pandemic, resulting in larger column NO2 declines than expected based on changes in transportation emissions alone. Meteorology played a key role in shaping the relative contributions from different emission sectors to NO2 pollution in the city, with low-speed (
Europe and the Maritime World: A Twentieth Century History

Europe and the Maritime World: A Twentieth-Century History offers a framework for understanding globalization over the past century. Through a detailed analysis of ports, shipping and trading companies whose networks spanned the world, Michael B. Miller shows how a European maritime infrastructure made modern production and consumer societies possible. He argues that the combination of overseas connections and close ties to home ports contributed to globalization. Miller also explains how the ability to manage merchant shipping's complex logistics was central to the outcome of both world wars. He chronicles transformations in hierarchies, culture, identities and port city space, all of which produced a new and different maritime world by the end of the century.
Ultrasound performed by emergency clinician improved the diagnostic efficacy in deep vein thrombosis.

Patients and methods From January 1 2006 to March 31th 2014, patients who were diagnosed as deep vein thrombosis, either by conventional duplex studies or bedside ultrasound, were included. Medical records were reviewed by a 6-year-trained emergency clinician. Age less than 18, patient who was referred from outpatient department or from other hospital, patient who had the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism before the visit, patient who use any anti-coagulant before the visit were excluded. Diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis was confirmed by any non-compressible venous vasculature of lower extremities, including common femoral vein, superficial and deep femoral vein, and popliteal vein, under ultrasound. Patient was divided into two group, one group was diagnosed by conventional duplex, and another group was diagnosed by bedside ultrasound. We compared the diagnostic time, treatment time, ED stay time between these two groups. Diagnostic time, treatment time, ED stay time were defined as time between the patient arrived ED and ultrasound-confirmed DVT, time between the patient arrived ED and patient first receive anti-coagulant, time between the patient arrived ED and patient admission or discharge, respectively.
Using a medical simulation center as an electronic health record usability laboratory.

Usability testing is increasingly being recognized as a way to increase the usability and safety of health information technology (HIT). Medical simulation centers can serve as testing environments for HIT usability studies. We integrated the quality assurance version of our emergency department (ED) electronic health record (EHR) into our medical simulation center and piloted a clinical care scenario in which emergency medicine resident physicians evaluated a simulated ED patient and documented electronically using the ED EHR. Meticulous planning and close collaboration with expert simulation staff was important for designing test scenarios, pilot testing, and running the sessions. Similarly, working with information systems teams was important for integration of the EHR. Electronic tools are needed to facilitate entry of fictitious clinical results while the simulation scenario is unfolding. EHRs can be successfully integrated into existing simulation centers, which may provide realistic environments for usability testing, training, and evaluation of human–computer interactions.
The Observations and Photochemistry of Atmospheric Ozone and Their Meteorological Significance

This paper, in its original form, was presented to the meteorology department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a doctoral thesis.† The purposes of the original paper were to summarize the important observational evidence about ozone, to advance the photochemical theory of ozone on the basis of recent related data, and to discuss the observed characteristics of ozone in the light of the photochemical results. I later found that some of my work was partially a duplication and confirmation of the work of previous investigators, whose papers had not come to my attention. This is particularly true in the case of the photochemical calculations (see chapter III). The duplication of effort, while regrettable in some ways, nevertheless lends added credence to the similar results obtained independently by more than one investigator.
Whole body metabolism is not restricted to D-sugars because energy metabolism of L-sugars fits a computational model in rats

Can L-sugars contribute to whole body energy metabolism? Energy balance studies were undertaken in rats fed L-sugars at a rate of 10 g/100 g basal diet. Partial metabolizable energy values (MEVp) during the last 28 of 56 d while consuming the L-sugar diets showed that L-glucose contributed no energy (0.3 +/- 0.9 kJ/g, P > 0.5, mean +/- SEM), whereas L-fructose and L-glucose contributed 6.9 +/- 0.9 (P 0.5) and 0.0 +/- 1.6 (P > 0.5) kJ/g over 28 and 56 d, respectively. As reference substrates, sucrose and cellulose gave expected energy values in all determinations. Methods comparison analysis showed no differences between MEVp and NEVS. The assimilation of energy from L-fructose and L-gulose is probably via large bowl microorganisms. These observations show that L-gulose and L-fructose contribute to whole body energy metabolism while L-glucose does not.
Demonstration of a 6 /spl times/ 10 Gb/s multiuser time-slotted SPECTS O-CDMA network testbed

We demonstrate error-free performance of a six-user, 10 Gb/s/user, time-slotted SPECTS (spectral phase encoded time spreading) O-CDMA network testbed. Careful system engineering and a nonlinear thresholder effectively suppress multiuser interference.
Lingtong the Model

We all have our favourite students. I usually fall for the contrary sorts – the ones who don't believe me, the ones who don't try to please me, the ones who make me work harder, the ones who make m...
Segmental differences in short-chain fatty acid transport in rabbit colon: Effect of pH and Na

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the predominant luminal anion in the mammalian colon. Although they are rapidly absorbed in vivo, little is known about the mechanisms of transepithelial transport in vitro. Previous studies have suggested that SCFA transport may be linked to Na absorption or an anion exchange mechanism. We compared the transport of propionate under short-circuit conditions in rabbit proximal and distal colon to determine whether there were segmental differences, how SCFAs may be linked to either Na absorption or anion transport, and whether SCFAs, as weak electrolytes, may be affected by transepithelial pH gradients. In distal colon, propionate transport was not significantly altered by stimulation of electrogenic Na absorption, epinephrine or Cl removal. However, a modest transepithelial pH gradient (luminal 6.8/serosal 7.4) stimulated propionate absorption. In proximal colon, propionate transport was significantly altered by maneuvers that either stimulated (lowered [Na] in the bathing media) or inhibited (theophylline) apical Na-H exchange. Neither Cl removal, nor the anion exchange inhibitor DIDS, nor a transepithelial bicarbonate gradient, altered propionate transport. A transepithelial pH gradient inhibited propionate secretion, but not in a manner entirely consistent with the effect of pH on the distribution of a weak electrolyte. These results suggest that there is significant segmental heterogeneity in colonic SCFA transport; that transepithelial propionate fluxes are altered by changes in pH or electroneutral Na absorption (Na-H exchange), but not by chloride removal, bicarbonate gradients or electrogenic Na absorption. Regulation of SCFA transport may be an important factor in the physiology of colonic fluid balance.
Numerical study of interference between simple-shape bodies in hypersonic flows

Hypersonic rarefied-gas flows near two side-by-side plates and cylinders, toroidal balloon, plate and cylinder over a plane surface, and plate behind a cylinder in argon, nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide have been studied numerically using the direct simulation Monte-Carlo technique under the transition flow conditions at Knudsen numbers from 0.004 to 10. Strong influences of the geometrical factor (the ratio of a distance between bodies to a body length) and the Knudsen number on the flow structure about the bodies (shock-wave shapes, the configuration of subsonic flow zones), skin friction, pressure distribution, lift, and drag have been found.
Analysis for a General Automaton with Distinguishable Receptors and Effectors

In previous work the jth automaton of a system of interactive automata was treated as a black box containing a stimulus processor that received stimuli and produced responses. Here the automaton is broken down into greater structural detail, making the receptors and effectors distinguishable from the stimulus processor. The sets of stimuli and triadic responses remain observed sets over a moment base. The sets of receptors and effectors are described by dyadic relations on the sets of principal and auxiliary receptors and effectors. Modifications to the equations and functions are made, and summaries of the graph primitives for the processor, environment, and time graphs are presented reflecting these modifications. The results of this analysis has been required in the formulation of a language information theory, and the manner of importance is illustrated by an example sentence.
Titanium mesh as a low-profile alternative for tension-band augmentation in patella fracture fixation: A biomechanical study.

A B S T R A C T Objectives: We performed a simple biomechanical study to compare the fixation strength of titanium mesh with traditional tension-band augmentation, which is a standard treatment for transverse patella fractures. We hypothesised that titanium mesh augmentation is not inferior in fixation strength to the standard treatment. Methods: Twenty-four synthetic patellae were tested. Twelve were fixed with stainless steel wire and parallel cannulated screws. Twelve were fixed with parallel cannulated screws, augmented with anterior titanium mesh and four screws. A custom test fixture was developed to simulate a knee flexed to 908. A uniaxial force was applied to the simulated extensor mechanism at this angle. A non-inferiority study design was used to evaluate ultimate force required for failure of each construct as a measure of fixation strength. Stiffness of the bone/implant construct, fracture gap immediately prior to failure, and modes of failure are also reported. Results: The mean difference in force at failure was 23.0 N (95% CI: 123.6 to 77.6 N) between mesh and wire constructs, well within the pre-defined non-inferiority margin of 260 N. Mean stiffness of the mesh and wire constructs were 19.42 N/mm (95% CI: 18.57–20.27 N/mm) and 19.49 N/mm (95% CI: 18.64–20.35 N/mm), respectively. Mean gap distance for the mesh constructs immediately prior to failure was 2.11 mm (95% CI: 1.35–2.88 mm) and 3.87 mm (95% CI: 2.60–5.13 mm) for wire constructs. Conclusions: Titanium mesh augmentation is not inferior to tension-band wire augmentation when comparing ultimate force required for failure in this simplified biomechanical model. Results also indicate that stiffness of the two constructs is similar but that the mesh maintains a smaller fracture gap prior to failure. The results of this study indicate that the use of titanium mesh plating augmentation as a low-profile alternative to tension-band wiring for fixation of transverse patella fractures warrants further investigation.
A Universal Geocast Scheme for Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks

A universal communications scheme for Vehicular Ad hoc Networks (VANETs) is proposed. This scheme accounts for a diverse variety of VANET-specific characteristics such as the gradual introduction of technology, highly dynamic topology, road-constrained vehicle movement and the presence of obstacles. The scheme incorporates a geometrical framework previously proposed by the authors which makes it appropriate for urban as well as rural area deployments. Moreover, by making the scheme probabilistic, capacity-delay tradeoffs crucial for safety message exchange are addressed. Although the presence of infrastructure is a privilege to our scheme, the network can still operate in a pure ad hoc manner. Simulation results confirm that our heuristic method dramatically improves the probability of reception of nodes in different scenarios.
SU-E-J-136: Multimodality-Image-Based Target Delineation for Dose Painting of Pancreatic Cancer

Purpose: Dose escalated RT may provide improved disease local-control for selected unresectable pancreatic cancer. Accurate delineation of the gross tumor volume (GTV) inside pancreatic head or body would allow safe dose escalation considering the tolerances of adjacent organs at risk (OAR). Here we explore the potential of multi-modality imaging (DCE-MRI, ADC-MRI, and FDG-PET) to define the GTV for dose painting of pancreatic cancer. Volumetric variations of DCE-MRI, ADC-MRI and FDG-PET defined GTVs were assessed in comparison to the findings on CT, and to pathology specimens for resectable and borderline reseactable cases of pancreatic cancer. Methods: A total of 19 representative patients with DCE-MRI, ADC-MRI and FDG-PET data were analyzed. Of these, 8 patients had pathological specimens. GTV, inside pancreatic head/neck, or body, were delineated on MRI (denoted GTVDCE, and GTVADC), on FDG-PET using SUV of 2.5, 40% SUVmax, and 50% SUVmax (denoted GTV2.5, GTV40%, and GTV50%). A Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine whether significant differences existed between GTV volumes. Results: Significant statistical differences were found between the GTVs defined by DCE-MRI, ADC-MRI, and FDG-PET, with a mean and range of 4.73 (1.00–9.79), 14.52 (3.21–25.49), 22.04 (1.00–45.69), 19.10 (4.84–45.59), and 9.80 (0.32–35.21) cm3 (p<0.0001) for GTVDCE, GTVADC, GTV2.5, GTV40%, andmore » GTV50%, respectively. The mean difference and range in the measurements of maximum dimension of GTVs based on DCE-MRI, ADC-MRI, SUV2.5, 40% SUVmax, and 50% SUVmax compared with pathologic specimens were −0.84 (−2.24 to 0.9), 0.41 (−0.15 to 2.3), 0.58 (−1.41 to 3.69), 0.66 (−0.67 to 1.32), and 0.15 (−1.53 to 2.38) cm, respectively. Conclusion: Differences exists between DCE, ADC, and PET defined target volumes for RT of pancreatic cancer. Further studies combined with pathological specimens are required to identify the optimal imaging modality and/or acquisition method to define the GTV.« less
Influence of time on soil response to no-till practices.

The number of growing seasons required for no-till practices to improve soil properties should be considered before changing management systems. To evaluate this time factor, an 8-yr tillage study was conducted on a Grenada silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, active, thermic Glossic Fragiudalfs) using cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]-corn (Zea mays L.), and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as test crops. Soil samples were characterized for soil organic matter (SOM), pH, exchangeable Ca and Mg, extractable P, K, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn, aggregate stability (AS), water dispersible clay (WDC), total clay (TC), and modulus of rupture (MR) at time 0, 4, and 8 yr. Within 4 yr, no-till (NT) resulted in statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences compared to conventional tillage (CT). The surface 2.5 cm of the NT treatments had higher levels of SOM, exchangeable (a, and extractable P, Mn, and Zn, but lower extractable K, Fe, and Cu. Tillage had no effect on exchangeable Mg and pH. No-till also resulted in higher AS, and lower MR, WDC, and TC in the lop 2.5 cm, relative to CT. The differences in soil properties between tillage treatments were essentially independent of crop. Instead, the results are controlled by relative amounts of SOM and clay, and the extent to which these properties change with time. Undoubtedly, NT practices can improve several fertility and erodibility-related properties of this soil within 4 yr, and enhance its sustainability.
A Mg2+-dependent class of thick filaments and correlated nuclear chromatin condensation in catfish photoreceptors

Photoreceptor cells of excised catfish retinae show morphological differences when incubated in Ringer's solutions of varying ionic composition. Two striking changes were observed in photoreceptor cells incubated in a high Mg2+ (25 mM) Ringer's: (1) Thick filaments appeared in the cytoplasm of receptor terminals and myoids; (2) A pronounced condensation of nuclear chromatin occurred in certain nuclei in the outer nuclear layer.
Blood vessels in the epiphyseal cartilage of vitamin A-deficient rats

A deficiency of vitamin A in the diet of weanling rats resulted in a vascular penetration of the proximal tibial epiphyseal cartilage. This response might be due to either impaired diffusion in an altered cartilage matrix or as a result of microfractures in the growth disc.
Porous Silicon Photoluminescence Enhancement and Saturation Resulting from Thermal Annealing in Nitrogen Gas

The results of thermal annealing at 800 and 900 °C of porous silicon samples in N2 ambient conditions are discussed as a function of annealing time, annealing procedure, and sample preparation. The results show that N2 annealing plays an important role in surface passivation and nanostructure feature size shrinkage and may result in photoluminescence (PL) intensity enhancement and saturation with annealing time under appropriate conditions. The experimental results strongly support the quantum confinement model for PL in porous silicon.
COMPUTER SIMULATION OF DOUBLE SHOCK-RELEASE EXPERIMENTS IN PMMA

Model simulation of double shock-release experiments in PMMA was performed using DYNA2D and KOH codes. Calculated wave profiles in both the elastic and inelastic ranges of peak stress were in good agreement with experimental profiles measured using commercial manganin gages.
TiO2 on and around a deactivated hydrodesulphurization catalyst

Deactivation of catalysts used to promote the liquefaction and desulphurization of coal is usually attributed to structural changes in the catalyst and the buildup of carbonaceous materials, minerals, iron and titanium. We discuss here the nature of the titanium which, though it is one of the major metals to deposit on and around catalysts, has never been characterized. The titanium deposited around a used catalyst removed from a fixed-bed reactor is very similar to one of the TiO2 polymorphs (anatase) except that the c axis is 0.054 A shorter. Two possible explanations for the origin of the anatase-like material are (1) that the titanium was originally organically bound in the coal, but it became oxidized during coal liquefaction, or (2) that small crystallites of the oxide existed in the coal and were simply concerned on and around the catalyst during liquefaction.
The psychiatric works of Emil Kraepelin: a many-faceted story of modern medicine.

A new English language edition of some of the major works of Emil Kraepelin (1856-1926), the famous German psychiatrist, appeared in 2002. This essay has been written to mark the occasion. Kraepelin is famous for his psychiatric nosology, specifically the demarcation of dementia praecox (schizophrenia) and manic-depressive insanity (bi-polar disorder). This essay deals not only with these topics but with many other aspects of Kraepelin's psychiatry: his talents as a writer and teacher; his unusual and intense concern with volition; his lack of psychological empathy with his patients, on the one hand, and on the other, his humane care for their physical well-being; his tangled involvement with psychoanalysis; his war on alcohol; his tradition-bound treatment of hysteria; his reflective attempt to understand paranoia; some criticisms of his work; the debate over the role played by his famous diagnostic cards (Zahlkarten); his misuse of his psychiatric beliefs in the public arena. A conclusion addresses both his shortcomings and his assets.
Intrinsic viscosity‐molecular weight relationships for dextran

Intrinsic viscosities of dextrans of known branching ratio were measured in water formamide, and in a water-methanol mixture at two temperatures. Weight-average molecular weights (sedimentation equilibrium) ranged from 1.1 × 104 to 1.7 × 106. A model for the hydrolyzed dextran molecule was assumed. Using the methods of Zimm and Stockmayer, the g factor calculated from this model was compared with the g factor obtained from the intrinsic viscosity-molecular weight data through the use of the Flory-Fox theory (g = ratio of squares of radii of gyration of branched to unbranched polymer). The calculated branch lengths required to make consistent the g factors obtained by two different routes were of the same order of magnitude as those found by classical organic chemical methods for other dextran preparations. The intrinsic viscosity-molecular weight relation at 25°C. in water for linear dextran was predicted from the data. It is suggested that investigations of branched polymers of known constitution be carried out by these methods.
Exploring the challenges of energy and resources network governance

While a growing amount of literature has recently emerged describing network governance, less attention has been paid to evaluating the actual performance of networks. Our paper looks at the challenges facing network governance for natural resources (primarily logging and forestry) and energy (primarily renewable energy and energy efficiency) in Asia. The paper investigates what network governance is, and what types of challenges networks have to tackle. It then develops a qualitative analytical framework to evaluate the effectiveness of networks consisting of five criteria: (1) clarity of roles and objectives among members, (2) having strong, independent, continual sources of funding, (3) institutional formality (having a permanent secretariat, budget, full time staff, etc.), (4) efficacy (ability to accomplish its mission and goals at the least possible cost); and (5) level of interdependency among members. Finally, we apply this framework to four case studies: the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Centre for Energy, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP), ASEAN Regional Knowledge Network on Forests and Climate Change (FCC), and ASEAN Regional Knowledge Network on Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (FLEG). These cases illustrate effective (or ineffective) environmental and energy networks and the factors that are associated with network governance.
Fibrotic myopathy of the semitendinosus muscle in four dogs.

Fibrosis of the semitendinosus muscle resulted in a characteristic gait abnormality in four male German shepherd dogs. Blood chemistry, electrophoresis, and electromyographic studies were performed. Surgery was undertaken in each case to relieve the restricting fibrous tissue. The lameness returned with reappearance of the fibrous band within six months. The etiology of fibrotic myopathy is unknown, but electromyographic studies and electrophoresis results suggest a myopathy due to chronic inflammation. Histopathologic exam reveals replacement of degenerating muscle fibers with connective tissue.
Confidence intervals for the comparison of two Poisson distributions

Confidence interval construction the difference in mean event rates for two Index independent , Poisson samples is discussed. Intervals are derived by considering Bayes estimates of the mean event rates using a family of noninformative priors. The coverage probabilities of the proposed are compared to those of the standard Wald interval for of observed events. A compromise method of constructing interval based on the data is suggested and its properties are evaluated. The method is illustrated in several examples.
The molecular biology of the CNTF receptor

Recently there have been advances in studies of the molecular biology of the receptor for CNTF. In contrast with the receptors for other known neurotrophic factors, which belong to the family of receptor tyrosine kinases, the CNTF receptor belongs to the family of cytokine receptors. This review will describe the structural features and signaling capabilities of the CNTF receptor, and discuss the implications for the biology of CNTF as well as for other neurotrophic factors and cytokines.
The Politics of Vulnerability: Constructing Local Performance Regimes for Homeland Security

Paradoxically, the greater the national security threats, the more important the role of local policy in the United States. In this article we examine homeland security initiatives—particularly the tension between risk and vulnerability—and the governance dilemmas they pose for local communities. In contrast to the usual emphasis on coordination and capacity, we argue for conceptualizing local imperatives attendant to homeland security as collective action problems requiring the construction of local performance regimes. Performance regimes must engage three challenges: (1) to enlist diverse stakeholders around a collective local security goal despite varying perceptions of its immediacy; (2) to persuade participants to sustain their involvement in the face of competing demands, and (3) to create a durable coalition around performance goals necessary for reducing local vulnerability. Using these analytic categories casts local homeland security issues in strategic terms; it also encourages comparisons of local governance arrangements to respond to risk and vulnerability. Regardless of the national character of homeland security policy, the reality is that all terrorism is local. Ultimately so are all security initiatives. Paradoxically, the greater the national security threats, the more important the local role in the United States. In this article we examine the attributes of homeland security initiatives—particularly the tension between risk and vulnerability—and the governance dilemmas they pose for local communities. In contrast to the usual emphasis on coordination and capacity, we argue for conceptualizing local imperatives attendant to homeland security as collective action problems requiring the construction of local performance regimes. These local governance arrangements are capable of bringing about systemic changes in how security issues are addressed at the local level, giving a strategic direction and priority to vulnerability issues. This is more than a matter of coordination: these performance regimes must engage three challenges: (1) to overcome asymmetrical incentives and enlist diverse stakeholders around a collective local security goal despite varying perceptions of its immediacy; (2) to persuade participants to sustain their involvement in the face of competing demands, and (3) to overcome collective action problems to create a durable coalition around performance goals necessary to reducing local vulnerability. Using these analytic categories casts local homeland security issues in strategic terms; it also encourages comparisons with similar initiatives in other cities—not in terms of funding but in terms of improving local responsiveness and resilience in dealing with risk and vulnerability. While the need for coordination and capacity is irrefutable, an exclusive focus on these functionalist and managerial emphases limits our ability to develop concepts and theories useful for the analysis of homeland security policies, much less the politics of
Uncovering Spoken Phrases in Encrypted Voice over IP Conversations

Although Voice over IP (VoIP) is rapidly being adopted, its security implications are not yet fully understood. Since VoIP calls may traverse untrusted networks, packets should be encrypted to ensure confidentiality. However, we show that it is possible to identify the phrases spoken within encrypted VoIP calls when the audio is encoded using variable bit rate codecs. To do so, we train a hidden Markov model using only knowledge of the phonetic pronunciations of words, such as those provided by a dictionary, and search packet sequences for instances of specified phrases. Our approach does not require examples of the speaker’s voice, or even example recordings of the words that make up the target phrase. We evaluate our techniques on a standard speech recognition corpus containing over 2,000 phonetically rich phrases spoken by 630 distinct speakers from across the continental United States. Our results indicate that we can identify phrases within encrypted calls with an average accuracy of 50p, and with accuracy greater than 90p for some phrases. Clearly, such an attack calls into question the efficacy of current VoIP encryption standards. In addition, we examine the impact of various features of the underlying audio on our performance and discuss methods for mitigation.
The surface hydration of soda-lime glass and its potential for historic glass dating

More than three decades ago the idea of using ambient water diffusion on manufactured glasses as an archeological dating method was proposed for historic period artifacts. In this study, we use infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to model water diffusion into the surface of two soda-lime glasses that differ principally in the alumina and magnesium content. Lower temperature hydration experiments (60–140 °C) were conducted and the surface diffused water was measured by infrared absorption, transflectance, and reflectance spectroscopy to establish the diffusion coefficients and activation energies, and to investigate the change in glass surface structure with time at a constant temperature. SIMS was also used to document water diffusion within a sample recovered from a 19th century archeological slave quarters at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello plantation in Virginia, USA.
‘KEEPING THE FAITH ALIVE': TEACHING SIKH KIRTAN IN AMERICA

Since the large influx of Sikhs to the USA beginning with immigration reform in the 1960s, Sikhism has continued to come into view as an American religion. Throughout the USA today, Sikhs are devoting vast amounts of time and effort toward keeping continued generations of Sikh Americans connected with Sikh communities, traditions, history, and ways of being and knowing. One of the primary ways that many communities are teaching younger generations how to be Sikh in America is through teaching the performance of the Sikh sacred musical tradition, Gurbani kirtan (musical performance of the Word of the Gurus and Bhagats of Sikhism found within the Guru Granth Sahib). This article will explore observations from my field research and interviews among people who are teaching the Gurbani kirtan tradition in the USA, and their students. I will discuss how those teaching the tradition fall into several groups: organized kirtan academies, well-known kirtaniyas (Sikh sacred musicians) who hold periodic workshops, pr...
Characterization of gastrin-releasing peptide receptors aberrantly expressed by non-antral gastric adenocarcinomas.

Abstract 1 Epithelial cells lining the GI tract except in the gastric antrum do not normally express gastrin-releasing peptide receptors (GRP-R). Because GRP-R activation causes the proliferation of many GI cancer cell lines, aberrant expression has been presumed to negatively influence patient survival. We therefore determined the incidence and quality of GRP-R aberrantly expressed by non-antral gastric adenocarcinomas, and evaluated the impact of receptor expression on patient survival. We studied RNA isolated from 20 consecutive non-antral gastric adenocarcinomas, and determined that 8 (40%) aberrantly expressed GRP-R. Of these, 6 (75%) were found to be mutated. Pharmacologically, the effect of these mutations ranged from rendering the GRP-R non-functional to constitutively active. Contrary to expectations, however, survival of patients whose tumor expressed functional GRP-R (18.5 ± 9.8 months) was not statistically different from those that did not (8.3 ± 1.8 months; p = 0.24). Thus our data indicate that mutated isoforms of GRP-R are commonly expressed by non-antral gastric adenocarcinomas. However, expression of functional GRP-R does not alter patient survival, suggesting that this receptor may not be clinically important to the growth of gastric cancers.
A RESPIRATORY STUDY OF POWDERY MILDEW OF WHEAT

OBLIGATE PARASITES comprise a group of organisms highly specialized from a nutritional point of view. As their name implies, they are restricted to a parasitic existence and cannot be grown on artificial media. This has been an impediment to physiological researches on such parasites and has seriously limited the study of their nutrition and metabolism. In view of the fundamental importance of this aspect of obligate parasitism, a study of the respiration of the powdery mildew of wheat Erysiphe graminis D. C. var. tritici and of its host was undertaken. Wheat mildew is an ectoparasite-that is, the only invasion of the host is by haustoria which penetrate the epidermal cells. Thus it is easy to remove all of the mildew, except the haustoria, from infected wheat. This was one reason why Erysiphe graminis was chosen for this study. Trelease and Trelease (1929) studied the effect of the carbohydrate supply of wheat in relation to its infection by mildew. If the carbohydrate supply was cut off by placing plants in the dark, infection by mildew would not occur. Isolated leaves kept in the dark supported the growth of the mildew if their lower ends were placed in solutions of suitable carbohydrates. Development of the mildew under these conditions was independent of the chlorophyll content of the leaves. In the light, growth of the mildew on wheat would occur only if the wheat was supplied with CO2 or with carbohydrates. Nicolas (1990) reported that infection of Prasium majts by Erysiphe lamprocarpa and of Tonilis nodosa by E. communis brought about a decrease in the respiratory rate of the host. Nicolas did not report on the age of the infection nor the change in the respiratory rate during the course of the disease; therefore it is impossible to decide whether the decrease was the primary result of infection or a change occurring in a late phase of the disease. Yarwood (1934) compared the respiration of clover leaflets infected with E. polygonium with that of normal leaflets, and found that the infected leaves had a rate about 50 per cent higher than the normal ones. Since his measurements were of total respiration over a period of several days, they are not directly comparable with those reported in this paper. Pratt (1938) has followed the course of respiration of wheat after inoculation with E. graminis. He found that, although the respiration of normal wheat gradually declines with age, wheat inoculated with mildew shows an increasing respiration which gradually rises to a value about three times that of healthy wheat, maintains this level for about a week, and then drops off to zero as the wheat dies. The increased respiration is not appreciably reduced by killing the mildew with sulfur. In a preliminary report Allen and God-
A generalized dirac current in o(4,2) theory

Abstract A relativistic Lagrangian field theory of spin-half particles using a four-dimensional Dirac-representation of O(4,2) is considered. In this theory a generalized Dirac current with a “convective” term is used. From the field equation a point-quantum mechanical Hamiltonian is derived and certain integrated quantities are investigated. A general divergence term that can be added to a free Lagrangian density without changing the corresponding field equation is suggested and illustrated. The scale invariance of the theory is examined. Also the theory is second-quantized and is studied in the infinite momentum limit.
Earth’s Garden-Happiness: Nietzsche’s Geoaesthetics of the Anthropocene

This essay proposes a reading of the concept and metaphor of the garden in Nietzsche’s philosophy as a contribution to exploring his aesthetics of the human earth and, accordingly, of his idea of the Sinn der Erde. Following Zarathustra’s agreement with his animals’ repeated declaration that „the world awaits you as a garden,” after his ordeal in struggling with the thought of eternal recurrence, the essay draws on Z and other writings to explore the senses of cultivation, design, and perspective which the garden embodies. Nietzsche recognizes and endorses another dimension of the garden in his discussions of Epicurus’ garden: it can be a site of refuge for the philosopher a nd a few friends when the right time for large scale cultivation is still to come. The relation between Z and BGE, as two different ways of expressing the same basic ideas, is clarified by delineating these contrasting aspects of the garden.
Toxoplasmosis A preventable infection of increasing importance

Abstract Toxoplasmosis encompasses a variety of clinical conditions. Serious sequelae are seen in congenital toxoplasmosis and in infections of the immunocompromised host. In the former, prevention of maternal acquisition of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is paramount. Infection in the compromised host often presents with neurologic abnormalities. Unfortunately, the HIV syndrome itself or other opportunistic infections can present in a similar manner. Often empiric treatment for toxoplasmosis is begun on clinical findings and an enhancing lesion noted on the CT scan of the head. Pyrimethamine and sulfadizone remain the drugs of choice for toxoplasmosis and are able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Currently, trails using other agents are in progress. Finally, toxoplasmosis shoudl be a preventable infection if appropriate control measures are instituted. These control measures need to recieve more attention if this infection is to be eliminated in this country.
DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND OUTCOME OF EASTERN BOX TURTLES (TERRAPENE CAROLINA CAROLINA) PRESENTED TO A WILDLIFE CLINIC IN TENNESSEE, USA, 1995–2007

We performed a retrospective review of medical records for 574 eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) that presented to the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) wildlife clinic between 1995 and 2007. These cases were reviewed to document and investigate the presenting complaints, as identified by a good Samaritan, final diagnoses, treatment modalities, days in hospital, and final disposition. Presenting complaints were consistent with the final diagnoses in 81% of cases. Trauma was both the most common presentation and final diagnosis. Associations between final diagnosis and either environmental temperature or precipitation were not significant (P>0.05). However, precipitation had a statistically significant positive association (P<0.05) with aural abscessation. Approximately 5% (28/574) of the box turtles were evaluated for packed cell volume total protein and white blood cell count. No differences were observed between sick and healthy animals for any of these variables. Multiple treatment modalities were used in these cases and were often used in combination, rather than as individual therapies. The number of days spent in the hospital ranged from 0 to 66 days, with a median of 2 days. The wildlife clinic of UTCVM should continue to evaluate the health status of eastern box turtles. Our findings indicate that the high caseload, as well as case variety of eastern box turtles in eastern Tennessee, suggests potential use as a biomonitor for this species.
Enteral stent placement by double balloon enteroscopy for palliation of malignant small bowel obstruction.

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common complication of malignant disease. Because of the technical limitations posed by conventional endoscopes and delivery systems, palliation of malignant SBO by the endoscopic placement of expandable metal stents is usually performed only for obstruction of the gastric outlet and proximal duodenum. We present a case of malignant distal duodenal obstruction palliated by enteral stent placement using the doubleballoon enteroscope (DBE).
Impairment of conditioned active avoidance in adult rats given corticosterone in infancy

Intensive corticosterone treatment given to rats during the 1st postnatal week irreversibly decreases DNA accumulation in the cerebrum and cerebellum. After such hypercorticism in infancy rats were tested as adults in 2 conditioned active avoidance tasks. In comparison with litter-mate controls, the treated rats were impaired in the acquisition of 2-way active avoidance but not in the acquisition of 1-way active avoidance. These data are consistent with other observations suggesting a hyperresponsiveness or hyperemotionality following corticosterone treatment in infancy.
Formation of nucleic acid purines from hypoxanthine and formate in bone marrow slices.

Summary Hypoxanthine-8-C 14 was found to be a precursor of adenine and guanine in the nucleic acids of erythroid rabbit bone marrow when slices were incubated in vitro with the labeled precursor. Formate-C 14 in the same system gave lower RNA/DNA incorporation ratios and and the extent of incorporation was unaffected by the addition of 4-amino-5-imidazolecarboxamide.
Domestic violence: diurnal mismatch between need and availability of services.

Objective: To determine whether a diurnal discordance exists between need and availability of services for victims of domestic violence. Methods: A consecutive sample of women presenting to a municipal hospital ED with physical injuries suspected to be related to domestic violence were entered into a registry. Date and time of presentation and perceived need for services information were collected from all patients who answered affirmatively a screening question for domestic violence and whose conditions did not preclude administration of the data collection instrument. The Social Service Departments of all of the 53 911–receiving hospitals in New York City were contacted to ascertain availability of social services for victims of domestic violence by time of day. Results: Twenty-eight of 32 (88%; 95% CI: 71%, 97%) victims of domestic violence presented to the ED during hours other than weekday 9 am to 5 pm. Of these, 63% desired counseling, 32% lacked a safe place to go, and 82% had children. Of those who had children, 48% were concerned for the children's safety. In hospital social services were universally available weekday daytime (9 AM to 5 pm) but were available in only 11 % of hospitals (95% CI: 4%, 23%) at other times. Conclusion: Approximately nine of ten victims of domestic violence presented to the ED during hours when only about one hospital in ten can provide the special services these patients require. A marked diurnal mismatch appears to exist between availability of domestic violence services in New York City and the need for these services as measured by a representative sample drawn from an ED population.
The general maximum matching algorithm of micali and vazirani

We give a clear exposition of the algorithm of Micali and Vazirani for computing a maximum matching in a general graph. This is the most efficient algorithm known for general matching. On a graph withn vertices andm edges this algorithm runs inO(n1/2m) time.
The inhibition of eucaryotic protein synthesis by procaryotic elongation factor Tu

Abstract The activity of elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) from Escherichia coli in eucaryotic protein synthesis systems was investigated. EF-Tu was found to inhibit polyphenylalanine synthesis when incubated with Artemia 80S ribosomes, purified rabbit reticulocyte elongation factor Tu (eEF-Tu) and partially purified reticulocyte translocase enzyme, eEF-G. The inhibition could be overcome by supplying the system with additional eEF-Tu. EF-Tu also inhibited protein synthesis in rabbit reticulocyte lysates. Data presented in this report indicate that inhibition by EF-Tu results from the accumulation of ternary complexes of the protein factor, GTP and aminoacyl-tRNA which do not interact with the ribosomal A-site of 80S ribosomes under physiological conditions.
Drying Kinetics and Time‐Temperature Distribution of Pregelatinized Bread

The experimental method of measuring the effective moisture diffusivity of bread, the representative hygroscopic porous material, was investigated. Drying curves and temperature profiles were obtained from cylindrical bread samples (0.3 and 0.8 porosity, and 0.011 and 0.018 in dia) under convective hot air conditions (50 to 90 °C oven temperatures and 1 to 3 m/s air velocity). The normalized drying curves were linear, suggesting that Fick's diffusion equation was applicable in determining the diffusion coefficient, and the effective moisture diffusivities were in the range of reported values. Experimental determination of the temperature dependent diffusion coefficient requires isothermal conditions to exist in the material, but temperature gradients existed throughout drying of the bread samples. Thus, the linearity of normalized drying curves is not a guarantee that the moisture diffusivity is properly determined. The need to develop an apparatus to achieve isothermal conditions during experimental measurement of the effective moisture diffusivity is shown. Cette etude evalue la methode experimentale de mesure de la diffusivite effective de l'eau dans le pain en tant que materiau poreux hygroscopique representatif. Les courbes de sechage et les profils de temperature sont obtenus sur des echantillons cylindriques de pain sous des conditions de convection d'air chaud (temperatures du four de 50 a 90°C et vitesse 1 a 3 m/s). Les courbes de sechage normalisees sont lineaires, indiquant que l'equation de diffusion de Fick serait applicable pour determiner le coefficient de diffusion.
Perioperative predictors of midterm survival after aortic valve replacement.

BackgroundElderly patients with aortic stenosis are under-referred for aortic valve replacement surgery. This study investigated the perioperative factors associated with midterm outcomes in a cons...