cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Watermarking of sprites in MPEG-4

The rapid proliferation of Multimedia content and the increasing number of transactions through the internet has placed high importance to data/,media security. Digital watermarking, a process of embedding secondary digital data in the primary digital medium, is one of the common methods used for copyright protection. In this paper, we propose a technique for robust and invisible watermarking of sprite in MPEG-4. Sprite coding is a new scheme proposed in the MPEG-4 standard for encoding the background in a scene which have less or no local motion. There are three steps involved in the generation of sprites - Initialization, Updating and Blending. The sprite is initialized for the very first Video Object Plane(VOP) of the video object sequence by just placing the VOP at a pre-specified location within the sprite. The sprite is then updated for each of the subsequent VOPs of the video object sequence by estimating the motion of the VOP with respect to the sprite. The VOP is then warped by the estimated motion parameters. The warped VOP and the sprite are then blended together. The blending factor may be different for different pixels on the sprite and this is a function of the number of times this pixel has been blended in the past. The details of the proposed watermarking technique are as follows. The contents of the sprite are first classified as strong texture, smooth and edge regions. The pixels in the sprite are then re-classified depending on the number of time search pixel has been blended. A pseudo noise sequence is generated and this sequence is modulated with the image using the basic sequence amplified according to an apriori classification and pixel blending weights. Abstraction of the watermark is done by demodulating the sprite with the same pseudo-noise sequence. Provisions for extracting the watermark from the individual frames have also been provided. The principal advantage of this watermarking technique is that the watermark bits are modulated onto the sprite depending on the merit of each pi© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Variation in the Occurrence of Marine Birds at Fronts in the Bering Sea

Abstract Topographically-induced flow gradients can concentrate seabird prey in several different ways, and are potentially important to marine birds in shelf ecosystems such as the south-eastern Bering Sea. We tested the hypothesis that attendance by seabirds was greater at fronts maintained by strong surface flow gradients than at fronts maintained by weak or intermittent surface flow gradients. An analysis of 62 crossings of flow gradients identified from temperature and salinity gradients showed that local increase in attendance was greater in areas of strong surface flow gradient than in an area of weak surface flow gradients. Attendance by marine birds depended on the strength of a flow gradient rather than on the presence or absence of a front.
Variational computation of homoclinic orbits for twist maps

Abstract Variational methods have been used extensively in the study and computation of monotone twist maps of the annulus (dimension d = 1), and in their higher dimensional generalizations. In particular, periodic orbits can be characterized and computed as critical points of certain real-valued functions, constructed from the generating function of the map. In this paper we propose a similar variational method for the computation of orbits homoclinic (or heteroclinic in some cases) to periodic orbits. This again consists in finding critical points of a certain function, constructed with knowledge of the generating function of the map and of the stable and unstable manifolds to the periodic orbits near the periodic points. We also prove that under relatively simple conditions, when d = 1, there exist heteroclinic connections between fixed points.
Repeat expansion diseases: when a good RNA turns bad.

An increasing number of dominantly inherited diseases have now been linked with expansion of short repeats within specific genes. Although some of these expansions affect protein function or result in haploinsufficiency, a significant portion cause pathogenesis through production of toxic RNA molecules that alter cellular metabolism. In this review, we examine the criteria that influence toxicity of these mutant RNAs and discuss new developments in therapeutic approaches. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website
Size dependence of the photoinduced magnetism and long-range ordering in Prussian blue analogue nanoparticles of rubidium cobalt hexacyanoferrate

Nanoparticles of rubidium cobalt hexacyanoferrate (RbjCok[Fe(CN)6]l?nH2O) were synthesized using different concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to produce four different batches of particles with characteristic diameters ranging from 3 to 13?nm. Upon illumination with white light at 5?K, the magnetization of these particles increases. The long-range ferrimagnetic ordering temperatures and the coercive fields evolve with nanoparticle size. At 2?K, particles with diameters less than approximately 10?nm provide a Curie-like magnetic signal.
Congenital anomalies in the pig: teratogenic effects of trypan blue.

Abstract The laboratory production of congenital anomalies serves several purposes. First, it often gives insight into abnormal morphogenesis. This occurred with Louw and Barnard's studies on intestinal atresia, 1 following the work of Fraser on cleft palate in inbred murine strains, 2 and as a result of investigations on the embryology of transposition of the great vessels in rodents. 3 Secondly, physiologically important congenital defects can be studied in laboratory animals, as Jackson did with aortic coarctation in dogs. 4 Careful measurements of abnormal physiology, not possible in the human, can be made and the results of therapy can be appraised in the laboratory before clinical trial. For this second purpose, it is important to study an animal similar to the human in the area studied. In many ways, the pig's cardiovascular physiology bears close resemblance to that of the human. 5,6,7 The size of miniature pigs of various ages, the long fetal period and the hardiness of the newborn pig make this animal suitable for detailed physiologic study at various prenatal and postnatal ages. The reproductive cycle of the pig, with heat every three weeks, makes this species a desirable one for teratologic investigation. For these reasons we tried, in the miniature pig, to produce clinically significant congenital cardiac lesions by the administration of a teratogenic drug in early pregnancy. Since the demonstration that the disazo dye, trypan blue, was teratogenic in rats, 8 the effects of this drug have been studied in various mammals. 9 The types of anomalies produced by the dye have varied according to species and strain but cardiovascular defects are prominent among the abnormalities. After a long trial-and-error process, it was found that intravenous administration of 100 mg./Kg. of trypan blue on the 10th day of pregnancy gave an increased incidence of cardiovascular and hindgut anomalies among the offspring.
Interfaces driven by quenched random fields.

The growth of interfaces in a discrete solid-on-solid model driven by quenched random fields have been simulated in (1+1) dimensions. It is found that the interface width initially grows with time t as ${\mathrm{ln}}^{2}$(t), and with a power law ${\mathit{t}}^{1/2}$ for long times. The crossover time increases sharply with increasing randomness.
Metabolic Integrity and Stability of Isolated Rat Brown Adipocytes

Using rats previously anesthetized with pentobarbital and with subtle modifications to existing procedures, rat brown adipocytes of good yield, viability, and stability were consistently obtained. The metabolic integrity of the cells, indicated by an 8–11 fold norepinephrine-dependent stimulation of respiration, was reproducible between cell preparations and maintained even after 3–5 hours of cell storage at room temperature. The ATP content of freshly isolated and stored cells per mg DNA (using a modified DNA assay) closely reflected the in vivo content determined from freeze clamped tissue.
Real-time temporal stereo matching using iterative adaptive support weights

Stereo matching algorithms are nearly always designed to find matches between a single pair of images. A method is presented that was specifically designed to operate on sequences of images. This method considers the cost of matching image points in both the spatial and temporal domain. To maintain real-time operation, a temporal cost aggregation method is used to evaluate the likelihood of matches that is invariant with respect to the number of prior images being considered. This method has been implemented on massively parallel GPU hardware, and the implementation ranks as one of the fastest and most accurate real-time stereo matching methods as measured by the Middlebury stereo performance benchmark.
Glacial characteristics of a Pleistocene ice lobe in east-central Minnesota

Close scrutiny of the till deposited during the Late Wisconsin advance of the Grantsburg sublobe across east-central Minnesota enables us to reconstruct the glaciological nature of a mid-latitude Pleistocene ice lobe. The sublobe, an offshoot of the Des Moines lobe, advanced to the northeast about 16,000 yr B. P., overriding drift of the Superior lobe, an ice mass that had advanced from the Lake Superior basin approximately 20,000 yr B.P. Because the tills are compositionally distinct, variations in Grantsburg tills can be discerned that resulted from incorporation of Superior lobe drift. Patterns of Grantsburg till dilution can in turn be interpreted to reconstruct some basic physical characteristics of the sublobe. To quantify compositional variability, analytical methods were selected to characterize the tills. Texture, carbonate content, clay mineralogy, and magnetic susceptibility, when considered jointly, adequately distinguish the tills and constitute the means of detecting dilution of Grantsburg tills. Results of analysis indicate that the composition of Grantsburg till changes progressively downglacier as a consequence of prolonged contact with Superior lobe drift terrane. Marked variations across the sublobe are also apparent with greater dilution at the margins and relatively lower levels of Superior lobe drift incorporation at axial positions. This pattern suggests that the Grantsburg sublobe was a semipolar ice mass, frozen to the substrate at its margin and at its pressure-melting point along its axis.
A taxonomic revision in the genus Glycine subgenus Glycine (Leguminosae)

A new combination in the subgenusGlycine is proposed [G. latifolia (Benth.) Newell & Hymowitz], based on the speciesLeptocyamus latifolius originally described by Bentham but later reduced by him to synonymy underG. tabacina. Living collections ofG. latifolia form a discrete group which is morphologically distinct from the two species with which it has been confused,G. tabacina andG. tomentella. Evidence from cytology, hybridization studies and electrophoresis of seed proteins lends further support to recognition ofG. latifolia as a separate species. A short description is included together with the pertinent synonymy and citation of specimens examined.
Methodological Factors Affecting Interpersonal Distance in Dyads

Two variables based on methodological variations in personal space research were examined. Predictions of their effects on interpersonal distances were made based on Evans and Howard's hypothesis (1973) that personal space is related to stress. Smaller interpersonal distances were expected when the subject approached a target rather than vice versa and when the approach occurred in a small room rather than a large one. Thirty-two female subjects were tested in a 2 × 2 factorial design; approach was a repeated factor. The first hypothesis was supported. Although the effects of room size were in the predicted direction, they were not significant. Theoretical implications were also discussed including the relationship of perceived control to interpersonal distance.
Non-surgical methods of contraception and sterilization

The Humane Society of the United States estimates that each year between 8 and 10 million dogs and cats enter shelters and 4-5 million of these animals are euthanized due to lack of homes. Many veterinarians within the United States recommend surgical sterilization for population control in dogs and cats. However, there are non-surgical methods to control reproduction. Pharmacologic methods of contraception and sterilization can be safe, reliable and reversible. Hormonal treatments using progestins, androgens, or gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs act to either directly block reproductive hormone receptor-mediated events, or indirectly block conception via negative feedback mechanisms. Immunocontraception, via vaccination against GnRH, the luteinizing hormone receptor or zona pellucida proteins, is also possible. Intratesticular or intraepididymal injections provide a method for non-surgical sterilization of the male dog and cat. Additional methods have been employed for mechanical disruption of fertility including intravaginal and intrauterine devices and ultrasound testicular ablation. Alternative approaches to surgical sterilization will be reviewed.
Tellurium implantation in GaAs

Abstract Electron concentration and mobility profiles for Te implanted semi-insulating GaAs samples annealed with a reactively sputtered silicon nitride protective layer (or cap) have been measured as a function of the dose of implanted Te and the annealing temperature. Results of high dose implants into n -type epitaxial samples are essentially the same as those obtained using semi-insulating material from different suppliers. Samples in which Ga was implanted either before or after the implantation of Te exhibited essentially the same electron concentration and mobility profiles as those in which only Te was implanted. Attempts to introduce As vacancies by preannealing Te implanted samples without a cap at temperatures between 550 and 700°C also had no effect on the measured profiles. The use of an aluminum oxy-nitride cap resulted in about twice the doping efficiency and three times the maximum electron concentration than was obtained with a silicon nitride cap for doses of 1 × 10 14 Te ions/cm 2 .
Response to Critics

Abstract I offer responses to criticisms about and questions concerning my book, Hegel's Practical Philosophy: Rational Agency as Ethical Life, 1 first raised at a conference at Kalamazoo College and now published in this issue of Inquiry. There are responses to Richard Peterson, James Bohman, Hans-Herbert Kogler, David Ingram and Theodore R. Schatzki.
The valley Hall effect in MoS2 transistors

Electrons in two-dimensional crystals with a honeycomb lattice structure possess a valley degree of freedom (DOF) in addition to charge and spin. These systems are predicted to exhibit an anomalous Hall effect whose sign depends on the valley index. Here, we report the observation of this so-called valley Hall effect (VHE). Monolayer MoS2 transistors are illuminated with circularly polarized light, which preferentially excites electrons into a specific valley, causing a finite anomalous Hall voltage whose sign is controlled by the helicity of the light. No anomalous Hall effect is observed in bilayer devices, which have crystal inversion symmetry. Our observation of the VHE opens up new possibilities for using the valley DOF as an information carrier in next-generation electronics and optoelectronics.
A review of gravity currents formed by submerged single-port discharges in inland and coastal waters

In this paper, the authors review the current state of the science on the dynamics of gravity currents generated by positively and negatively buoyant jet discharges from submerged round outfalls (i.e., a point source) in inland and coastal waters. Specifically, this article focuses on describing gravity currents occurring at both the bottom boundary and the free surface of the receiving fluid. The manmade discharge operations generating both types of gravity currents and their significance to sustainability of the surrounding hydro-environment are first described. The authors then summarize the flow regimes characteristics of these discharges before becoming gravity currents and how those flow regimes influence the dynamics of the gravity currents. The gravity current dynamics in the calm receiving waters are then analyzed. This analysis is followed by an analysis of the influence of the hydrodynamic forces (e.g., currents, turbulence, waves) on the dynamics of gravity currents. Finally, the authors review quantitative modeling approaches for different forms of gravity current, and identify the current knowledge gaps and research needs.
The response of lichens to atmospheric deposition with an emphasis on the Arctic

The effects of contaminants on arctic lichens are a major concern, because lichen-dominated ecosystems occur extensively in arctic regions. Lacking roots or other absorptive organs, lichens are dependent primarily on atmospheric sources of nutrients and therefore readily accumulate atmospheric contaminants. Because they lack stomatal control of gas exchange, deposition of gaseous pollutants to lichens occurs across their entire surface, and this may exceed deposition occurring to vascular plants. Pollutants such as SO2 can vastly reduce species richness and abundance of lichens and cause shifts from predominantly sexual to asexual reproduction. In surviving species, modifications of external morphology reflecting ultrastructural changes may occur. Experimental studies with arctic and other lichen species have documented a wide range of responses to various contaminants, including K+ leakage due to alteration of membrane permeability, changes in chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics, reduced nitrogen fixation, and changes in enzyme activity.
Regularized neural networks: some convergence rate results

In a recent paper, Poggio and Girosi (1990) proposed a class of neural networks obtained from the theory of regularization. Regularized networks are capable of approximating arbitrarily well any continuous function on a compactum. In this paper we consider in detail the learning problem for the one-dimensional case. We show that in the case of output data observed with noise, regularized networks are capable of learning and approximating (on compacta) elements of certain classes of Sobolev spaces, known as reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces (RKHS), at a nonparametric rate that optimally exploits the smoothness properties of the unknown mapping. In particular we show that the total squared error, given by the sum of the squared bias and the variance, will approach zero at a rate of n(-2m)/(2m+1), where m denotes the order of differentiability of the true unknown function. On the other hand, if the unknown mapping is a continuous function but does not belong to an RKHS, then there still exists a unique regularized solution, but this is no longer guaranteed to converge in mean square to a well-defined limit. Further, even if such a solution converges, the total squared error is bounded away from zero for all n sufficiently large.
Measuring Adults' Loss of Autonomy Over Nicotine Use: The Hooked on Nicotine Checklist

The Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC) is a 10-item screening tool originally developed to assess loss of autonomy over tobacco in adolescent smokers. A smoker's endorsement of any item indicates some loss of autonomy, and the sum of endorsed items indicates the degree to which autonomy has been lost. This study extends the HONC to adult smokers. Self-administered questionnaires were completed by a convenience sample of 1,102 adults who were recruited in their natural environments while observed smoking. Subjects were mostly experienced smokers who consumed a mean of 17.5 cigarettes per day and had smoked an average of 20.9 years. HONC scores ranged from 0 to 10, with a mean of 7.1. The HONC appears to measure a single dimension. Internal HONC consistency was high (alpha = .83), and interitem correlations were low to moderate. HONC scores correlated positively with levels of current and peak lifetime cigarette consumption. The HONC scores of heavy, moderate, and light smokers differed significantly in the expected direction. Subjects with higher HONC scores were more likely to report a shorter duration of abstinence and greater use of pharmacological aids when quitting. The HONC appears to be psychometrically sound in both adolescents and adults. It is a reliable and valid measure of lost autonomy for both novice and experienced smokers, and it allows for comparisons between these populations.
Silicide formation with Pd‐V alloys and bilayers

Solid phase reactions in the temperature range between 250 and 600 °C between Si and V‐Pd bilayers as well as alloy layers have been studied by MeV 4He+ backscattering and x‐ray diffraction techniques. When a Pd layer is interposed between Si and V, the bilayer system starts to react at <300 °C with the formation of Pd2Si. Annealing at higher temperatures (∼600 °C) leads to a uniform layer of VSi2 formed on top of the Pd2Si. Reversing the bilayer sequence (Si/V/Pd) raises the reaction temperature of the system to ∼500 °C with V mixing into the Pd layer. Annealing at higher temperature leads to the formation and accumulation of Pd2Si at the interface and a mixed (nonuniform) structure of Pd2Si and VSi2 in the outer surface region. For a Pd‐rich alloy (Pd80V20), a reaction started at about 300 °C and produced Pd2Si by depleting Pd from the alloy. This resulted in a mixed structure of Pd2Si and VSi2 in the outer region, similar to the final stage of the Si/V/Pd system. For a V‐rich alloy (Pd90V10), the forma...
SU-C-BRB-05: Quality Assurance of Gated RapidArc Stereotactic Body Irradiation

Purpose: Develop a reproducible QA methodology for commissioning gated RapidArc SBRT and patient treatment. Metrics used for patient specific QA, namely distance‐to‐agreement (DTA) and gamma index, are examined to determine if standard values used for IMRT are applicable for displacementgated treatments. Methods: Methods followed that used for IMRT patient‐specific QA. Slabs of solid water with 1.5 mm radio‐opaque markers were placed on a Respiratory Gating Platform (Standard Imaging), and the phantom was aligned to markers placed on its stationary base. Treatment plans were based on 4D and planning CTs acquired while the phantom was moved sinusoidally. Gating parameters were determined by fluoroscopic imaging prior to treatment. 3D square fields, RapidArc plans with spherical targets (1–10 cm diameter), and patient plans were delivered to the moving phantom with a 1 mm gating aperture. Dose distributions were measured with Kodak EDR2 film and compared to distributions planned with Eclipse v8.9 using RIT 113v5.2 software to determine the mean DTA. Results: For square fields the DTA averaged over the different field sizes was 3.4 mm in the direction parallel to the motion and 2.7 mm perpendicular. The average 2D DTA was 3.8 mm. For the gated RapidArc treatments, the average DTAs were 3.4 mm parallel to the motion and 1.9 mm perpendicular. The 2D DTA was 3.0 mm. There was a trend for the DTA for small targets to be larger than for large targets. For the patient plan the 2D DTA for the gated treatment was 2.6 mm, and 0.3 mm with the phantom static. Conclusions: A repeatable QA method for gated RapidArc SBRT has been implemented. With a fluoroscopic gating aperture of 1 mm, use of a gamma index criterion of (3%, 3 mm) and a DTA of 3 mm is valid for small targets with gated delivery.
Stressors during pregnancy and the postnatal period.

For those medical procedures that are necessary with preterm infants, the question arises as to whether various forms of soothing stimulation can be applied during the procedures to alleviate their stressful effects.
Recent decline in the distribution and abundance of Eurasian milfoil in Chesapeake Bay

Eurasian water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.) declined significantly in Chesapeake Bay from 1965 to 1967. This decline generally exceeded 95%, and was associated with several pathologic conditions, previously named Northeast disease and Lake Venice disease. We believe that these pathologic conditions have been responsible for the decline. No study of Lake Venice condition has yet been undertaken, but this paper presents evidence that Northeast condition is an infectious disease. Northeast disease symptoms can be transmitted in the laboratory by a bacteriologically sterile filtrate passed through a 0.2 μ filter. This indicates a virus, virus-like particle, or a toxin as the etiologic agent. The primary pathogen is probably a virus, and the evidence for this will be presented in a later paper. Gram-negative bacilli obtained from diseased milfoil probably represent secondary infections. In September 1967, diseased milfoil showed a resurgence of growth and successfully flowered in several areas of the Bay. This may represent the development of genetic resistance to the pathogen, or it may be a natural cyclic pattern with reduced virulence of the pathogen. In November 1967, however, milfoil in Middle River collapsed to a greater extent than expected from normal winter kill, and that remaining was in very poor condition.
Toward a unified object model for cyber-physical systems

Cyber-physical systems are a coordinated combination of computational and physical elements. This position paper calls for the design of a unified object model that blends the boundary of the two. The unified object model has the benefits of bringing classic software engineering technologies and tools - such as UML - to the new application domain of cyber-physical systems, and further equipping programs written for these systems with the traditional strengths of object-oriented languages, such as encapsulation, code reuse and customization, and strong guarantees for avoiding runtime errors.
Ureteral obstruction as a model of renal interstitial fibrosis and obstructive nephropathy

Renal fibrosis is the hallmark of progressive renal disease of virtually any etiology. The model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in the rodent generates progressive renal fibrosis. Surgically created UUO can be experimentally manipulated with respect to timing, severity, and duration, while reversal of the obstruction permits the study of recovery. The use of genetically engineered mice has greatly expanded the utility of the model in studying molecular mechanisms underlying the renal response to UUO. Ureteral obstruction results in marked renal hemodynamic and metabolic changes, followed by tubular injury and cell death by apoptosis or necrosis, with interstitial macrophage infiltration. Proliferation of interstitial fibroblasts with myofibroblast transformation leads to excess deposition of the extracellular matrix and renal fibrosis. Phenotypic transition of resident renal tubular cells, endothelial cells, and pericytes has also been implicated in this process. Technical aspects of the UUO model are discussed in this review, including the importance of rodent species or strain, the age of the animal, surgical procedures, and histological methods. The UUO model is likely to reveal useful biomarkers of progression of renal disease, as well as new therapies, which are desperately needed to allow intervention before the establishment of irreversible renal injury.
Bicritical point and crossover in a two-temperature, diffusive kinetic Ising model.

The phase diagram of a two-temperature kinetic Ising model which evolves by Kawasaki dynamics is studied using Monte Carlo simulations in dimension $d=2$ and solving a mean-spherical approximation in general $d$. We show that the equal-temperature (equilibrium) Ising critical point is a bicritical point where two nonequilibrium critical lines meet a first-order line separating two distinct ordered phases. The shape of the nonequilibrium critical lines is described by a crossover exponent, $\ensuremath{\phi}$, which we find to be equal to the susceptibility exponent, $\ensuremath{\gamma}$, of the Ising model.
Family unification in SO16

Abstract We present a symmetry-breaking pattern for SO 16 × (U 1 ) PQ which predicts only four super-light neutrinos. Thus, unlike other models of orthogonal family unification, our model satisfies cosmological bounds on neutrino species.
Two-Phase Micro-Channel Heat Sinks: Theory, Applications and Limitations

Boiling water in small channels that are formed along turbine blades has been examined since the 1970s as a means to dissipating large amounts of heat. Later, similar geometries could be found in cooling systems for computers, fusion reactors, rocket nozzles, avionics, hybrid vehicle power electronics, and space systems. This paper addresses (a) the implementation of two-phase micro-channel heat sinks in these applications, (b) the fluid physics and limitations of boiling in small passages, and effective tools for predicting the thermal performance of heat sinks, and (c) means to enhance this performance. It is shown that despite many hundreds of publications attempting to predict the performance of two-phase micro-channel heat sinks, there are only a handful of predictive tools that can tackle broad ranges of geometrical and operating parameters or different fluids. Development of these tools is complicated by a lack of reliable databases and the drastic differences in boiling behavior of different fluids in small passages. For example, flow boiling of certain fluids in very small diameter channels may be no different than in macro-channels. Conversely, other fluids may exhibit considerable ‘confinement’ even in seemingly large diameter channels. It is shown that cutting-edge heat transfer enhancement techniques, such as the use of nano-fluids and carbon nanotube coatings, with proven merits to single-phase macro systems, may not offer similar advantages to microchannel heat sinks. Better performance may be achieved by careful optimization of the heat sink’s geometrical parameters and by adapting a new class of hybrid cooling schemes that combine the benefits of micro-channel flow with those of jet impingement.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Micromechanical viscoelasto-plastic models and finite element implementation for rate-independent and rate-dependent permanent deformation of stone-based materials

This paper presents parallel and serial viscoelasto-plastic models to simulate the rate-independent and the rate-dependent permanent deformation of stone-based materials, respectively. The generalized Maxwell viscoelastic and Chaboche's plastic models were employed to formulate the proposed parallel and serial viscoelasto-plastic constitutive laws. The finite element (FE) implementation of the parallel model used a displacement-based incremental formulation for the viscoelastic part and an elastic predictor—plastic corrector scheme for the elastoplastic component. The FE framework of the serial viscoelasto-plastic model employed a viscoelastic predictor—plastic corrector algorithm. The stone-based materials are consisted of irregular aggregates, matrix and air voids. This study used asphalt mixtures as an example. A digital sample was generated with imaging analysis from an optically scanned surface image of an asphalt mixture specimen. The modeling scheme employed continuum elements to mesh the effective matrix, and rigid bodies for aggregates. The ABAQUS user material subroutines defined with the proposed viscoelasto-plastic matrix models were employed. The micromechanical FE simulations were conducted on the digital mixture sample with the viscoelasto-plastic matrix models. The simulation results showed that the serial viscoelasto-plastic matrix model generated more permanent deformation than the parallel one by using the identical material parameters and displacement loadings. The effect of loading rates on the material viscoelastic and viscoelasto-plastic mixture behaviors was investigated. Permanent deformations under cyclic loadings were determined with FE simulations. The comparison studies showed that the simulation results correctly predicted the rate-independent and rate-dependent viscoelasto-plastic constitutive properties of the proposed matrix models. Overall, these studies indicated that the developed micromechanical FE models have the abilities to predict the global viscoelasto-plastic behaviors of the stone-based materials. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Control of electron transport related defects in in situ fabricated single wall carbon nanotube devices

Metallic single wall carbon nanotube devices were characterized using low temperature transport measurements to study how the growth conditions affect defect formation in carbon nanotubes. Suspended carbon nanotube devices were grown in situ by a molecular beam growth method on a pair of catalyst islands located on opposing Au electrodes fabricated by electron beam lithography. The authors present experimental evidence that defect formation in carbon nanotubes, in addition to the well known growth temperature dependence, is also affected by the nature and the composition of the carbon growth gases.
Evaluation of Some Factors Affecting the Efficiency of Light Traps in Collecting Mosquitoes

A rotary device was used for comparing the catches of mosquitoes by light traps. The species trapped were Aedes melanimon Dyar, Anopheles freeborni Aitken, and Culex tarsalis Coquillett. The variation arising from differences in traps was rarely significant while nightly variation was almost invariably significant. The heat produced by a 25-watt light bulb did not result in higher catches than when a cold bulb was used. Vertical or horizontal screens tended to reduce the numbers of mosquitoes caught, the vertical screens having the greater effect. Trap color had little effect on catch. Air movement by the fan also had little effect on the catch although the range of air movements studied was not great. The catch was directly related to light intensity of the source. Evidence is presented that background illumination interferes with the discrimination of light intensities by mosquitoes. The bearing of these factors on the total amount of variation in a trapping program is discussed.
Study of unmanned aircraft systems procedures: Impact on air traffic control

The demand for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) access to the National Airspace System (NAS) is increasing as agencies find more ways to use them to complete their missions. The Department of Defense (DoD) flies UASs in the NAS primarily for training and some operational missions, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) flies UASs in the NAS for scientific missions, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) flies UASs in the NAS to patrol our borders. These are some of the uses of UASs that are currently being operated by public entities. Many of the UASs that operate in the NAS are flying in airspace controlled by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic controllers and, because of their unique operating characteristics and procedures, have an impact on those controllers' abilities to safely manage the airspace for which they are responsible. This human-in-the-loop (HITL)1 simulation looked specifically at the lost command and control (C2) link procedures of UASs and how those procedures affected the controllers' abilities to manage the traffic within busy airspace when lost C2 link events were occurring. The study focused on two key aspects of the lost C2 link. First, it analyzed the time it took controllers to identify that a lost C2 link had occurred. Second, it analyzed the time period between the initial indications of a lost C2 link and the initiation of a contingency procedure. The study found that most controllers recognized a lost C2 link situation within a minute of the indication. The study also found that controllers experienced a reduced workload when the time between the notification of the lost C2 link and the aircraft maneuvering was approximately one minute.
BonAHA: Service Discovery Framework for Mobile Ad-Hoc Applications

In today's mobile networks, devices often move from one network to the next, forming transitory associations without a fixed support infrastructure. The state in this network frequently changes due to node transitions, and nodes are always meeting new peers. In this scenario, traditional models for writing networking software, such as the client-server model or even the peer-to-peer model, turn out to be unsuitable for writing such "ad-hoc applications". A new framework needs to be developed for this class of applications to be aware of node transitions as well as metadata (properties) that the nodes possess. In this paper, we present a framework we have built for this class of applications. Our library, called BonAHA (Bonjour for Ad-Hoc Applications) aims to be easy and intuitive, abstract the ad-hoc networking details and at the same time provide flexibility to the developer to develop powerful and rich ad-hoc applications.
A practical field guide to conducting nursing research in low- and middle-income countries.

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this report is to offer practical guidance to nurse investigators interested in international research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Lessons learned and strategies for planning and implementing an international research project are addressed. Methods Four nurse researchers who conducted studies in diverse international settings (Argentina, India, South Africa, and Tanzania) describe their collective experiences regarding study planning and implementation; data collection using a variety of methods; and cultural, contextual and ethical considerations. Results Nurses who undertake international health research projects, particularly in LMICs, can face unique challenges and opportunities. Recommendations for success include advance planning, remaining flexible, having a backup plan, cultivating an attitude of curiosity and cultural humility, establishing collaborative and respectful partnerships, and budgeting adequate time. Conclusions Nurse scientists often receive little training and support to conduct international research. Guidance to undertake research projects in LMICs can build capacity for nurses to make significant contributions to global health.
High-pressure storage of hydrogen fuel: ammonia borane and its related compounds

As a promising candidate material for hydrogen storage, ammonia borane (NH3BH3) has attracted significant interest in recent years due to its remarkably high hydrogen content. Subjecting this material to high pressure not only enables the formation of novel phases and compounds with exotic properties, but also improves our basic understanding of material’s behavior at different levels of atomic and molecular interactions. This review focuses on the perspective of high-pressure chemical hydrogen storage related to NH3BH3-based materials. Four main aspects are discussed: the structures and bonding of NH3BH3 over a wide pressure–temperature space, thermolysis of NH3BH3 at high pressure, the formation of a novel high-pressure H-rich compound as a result of storage of additional molecular H2 in NH3BH3, and the potential rehydrogenation of the thermally decomposed NH3BH3 under the extreme of pressure.
Bilateral cavernous internal carotid aneurysms in a child with juvenile paget disease and osteoprotegerin deficiency.

Juvenile Paget disease or familial hyperphosphatasia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, which represents a distinct clinical condition, not simply a juvenile-onset form of Paget disease. Osteoprotegerin deficiency leads to marked osteoclast activation and greatly accelerated bone remodeling. We
Gaussian two-way wiretap channel with an arbitrarily varying eavesdropper

In this work, we derive the secrecy degrees of freedom (s.d.o.f.) region of the Gaussian two-way wiretap channel in which the eavesdropper channel state is arbitrarily varying and is unknown to the legitimate nodes. We prove that the s.d.o.f. region is identical to that when the eavesdropper channel is fixed and globally known. A multi-stage coding scheme that combines secret key generation and confidential message transmission is developed to prove achievability. The confidentiality guarantee provided in this work is in the sense of strong secrecy.
SIMULATING OZONE EFFECTS ON FOREST PRODUCTIVITY: INTERACTIONS AMONG LEAF-, CANOPY-, AND STAND-LEVEL PROCESSES

Ozone pollution in the lower atmosphere is known to have adverse effects on forest vegetation, but the degree to which mature forests are impacted has been very difficult to assess directly. In this study, we combined leaf-level ozone response data from independent ozone fumigation studies with a forest ecosystem model in order simulate the effects of ambient ozone on mature hardwood forests. Reductions in leaf carbon gain were determined as a linear function of ozone flux to the leaf interior, calculated as the product of ozone concentration and leaf stomatal conductance. This relationship was applied to individual canopy layers within the model in order to allow interaction with stand- and canopy-level factors such as light attenuation, leaf morphology, soil water limitations, and vertical ozone gradients. The resulting model was applied to 64 locations across the northeastern United States using ambient ozone data from 1987 to 1992. Predicted declines in annual net primary production ranged from 3 to 16% with greatest reductions in southern portions of the region where ozone levels were highest, and on soils with high water-holding capacity where drought stress was absent. Reductions in predicted wood growth were slightly greater (3- 22%) because wood is a lower carbon allocation priority in the model than leaf and root growth. Interannual variation in predicted ozone effects was small due to concurrent fluc- tuations in ozone and climate. Periods of high ozone often coincided with hot, dry weather conditions, causing reduced stomatal conductance and ozone uptake. Within-canopy ozone concentration gradients had little effect on predicted growth reductions because concen- trations remained high through upper canopy layers where net carbon assimilation and ozone uptake were greatest. Sensitivity analyses indicate a trade-off between model sensitivity to available soil water and foliar nitrogen and demonstrate uncertainties regarding several assumptions used in the model. Uncertainties surrounding ozone effects on stomatal function and plant water use efficiency were found to have important implications on current predictions. Field measurements of ozone effects on mature forests will be needed before the accuracy of model predictions can be fully assessed.
Thermal degradation of polytetrafluoroethylene in a closed system

The thermal degradation of polytetrafluoroethylene has been studied in a closed reaction system over a temperature range from 480 to 580°C. The initial stages of gas formation follow a first order law. If the dimerization of monomer to octafluorocyclbutane is taken into account, the rate constants for polymer degradation can be represented by k = 6.3·1019 e−78,000/RT min−1. Der thermische Abbau von Polytetrafluorathylen wurde in einem geschlossenen System im Temperaturbereich von 480 bis 580°C studiert. Der Beginn der Gasentwicklung folgt einem Gesetz erster Ordnung. Wenn die Dimerisation des Monomeren zu Octafluorbutan berucksichtigt wird, dann konnen die Geschwindigkeitskonstanten durch die Beziehung k = 6,3·1019 e−78000/RT min−1 ausgedruckt werden.
Pipelined iterative methods for shared memory machines

Abstract In this paper we describe a new parallel iterative technique to solve a set of linear equations. The technique can be applied to any serial iterative scheme and involves pipelining successive iterations. We give an example of this technique by modifying the classical successive overrelaxation method (SOR). The algorithm is implemented on a Sequent Symmetry multiprocessor machine and the experimental results are presented.
Synthesis of 5-fluoro-2-methyl-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-5-yl)-4(3H)-quinazolinone and related compounds with potential antiviral and anticancer activity†

The synthesis of ten new substituted 1,3,4-thiadiazolyl-4(3H)-quinazolinones 8–11, 13, 17, and 20–23 is reported. Compounds 8–11 were prepared by condensation of 5-fluoro-2-methyl-3,1-benzoxazin-4-one (3) and 5-substituted 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazoles 4–7. Compound 13 was obtained by condensation of 5-fluoro-2-methyl-3,1-benzoxazin-4-one (3) with DL-α-amino-ϵ-caprolactam (12). Compound 17 was synthesized by condensation of 6-bromo-2-methyl-3,1-benzoxazin-4-one (16) and 2-amino-5-t-butyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole (5). Compounds 20–23 were obtained by condensation of 5-chloro-6,8-dibromo-2-methyl-3,1-benzoxazin-4-one (19) and 5-substituted 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazoles 4–7, respectively. The substituted 3,1-benzoxazin-4-ones 3, 16, and 19 were obtained in good yield by refluxing the appropriate anthranilic acid, 1,15, and 18 with acetic anhydride (2).
Ciliated cells in the spleen of adult rats

During a study of the effects of 600 r whole body x-irradiation on male adult Sprague Dawley rats, rare cilia have been noted on reticular cells of normal and x-irradiated rat spleen. They are of the 9+0 pattern and appear similar to those previously noted in other cells. The functional significance of these cilia is unknown.
Post-CTS clock skew scheduling with limited delay buffering

Proposed post-clock-tree-synthesis (CTS) optimization method is delay buffering at the leaves of the clock tree to implement a limited version of clock skew scheduling. The method suggests the limitation of delay buffering on each clock tree branch as well as a global monitoring of total amount of delay buffering to improve the circuit performance. The delay buffering for non-zero clock skew operation is performed only after the clock sinks in order to preserve the structure and the optimizations implemented with any clock tree synthesis methodology. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed post-CTS methodology over previous methods and demonstrate an important trend of clock period improvement over varying upper bounds of delay buffering. It is shown that the majority of the clock period improvement achievable through clock skew scheduling is obtained through very limited buffering (≈43% average improvement through 10% of max buffering).
Shape of the B 8 Alpha and Neutrino Spectra

The $\ensuremath{\beta}$-delayed $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ spectrum from the decay of ${}^{8}\mathrm{B}$ has been measured with a setup that minimized systematic uncertainties that affected previous measurements. Consequently the deduced neutrino spectrum presents much smaller uncertainties than the previous recommendation [J. N. Bahcall et al., Phys. Rev. C 54, 411 (1996)]. The ${}^{8}\mathrm{B}$ $\ensuremath{\nu}$ spectrum is found to be harder than previously recommended with about $(10--20)%$ more neutrinos at energies between 12--14 MeV. The integrated cross sections of the ${}^{37}\mathrm{Cl}$, ${}^{71}\mathrm{Ga}$, ${}^{40}\mathrm{Ar}$, and Super-Kamiokande detectors are, respectively, $3.6%$, $1.4%$, $5.7%$, and $2.1%$ larger than previously thought.
The Effect of Using Case Studies in Business Statistics.

The authors evaluated the effect on learning of using case studies in business statistics courses. The authors divided students into 3 groups: a control group, a group that completed 1 case study, and a group that completed 3 case studies. Results evidenced that, on average, students whom the authors required to complete a case analysis received significantly higher grades on their comprehensive final examination. Their perceptions of their learning experience were also significantly higher with respect to communication, software use, and the ability to apply statistics to business decisions.