cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Snow ablation modelling in a mature aspen stand of the boreal forest

Snow ablation modelling at the stand scale must account for the variability in snow cover and the large variations of components of energy transfer at the forest floor. Our previous work successfully predicted snow ablation in a mature jack pine stand by using a one-dimensional snow process model and models predicting radiation below forest canopies. This work represents a second test of our basic modelling scenario by predicting snow ablation in a leafless, deciduous aspen stand and verifying the results with field data. New modifications to the snow model accounted for decreased albedo owing to radiation penetration through optically thin snowpacks. A provisional equation estimates litter fall on the snowpack, thereby reducing the areal averaged albedo. We showed that subcanopy radiation measurements can be used with a canopy model to estimate a branch area index for defoliated aspen as an analogue to the foliage area index used for conifers. Modelled incoming solar and long-wave radiation showed a strong correlation with measurements, with r 2 a 0.96 and 0.91 for solar and long-wave radiation, respectively. Model results demonstrate that net radiation overwhelms turbulent exchanges as the most significant driving force for snowmelt in aspen forests. Predicted snow ablation in the aspen stand compared very favourably with available data on snow depth. #1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental tests of theoretical band structure of intercalation compounds of graphite

Abstract Experimental techniques which have been recently applied to study the electronic band structures of graphite intercalation compounds are discussed. These techniques include electron energy loss spectroscopy, angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy, and angular correlation of positron annihilation. Results are compared with theoretical calculations.
Decision-making about caesarean delivery

There is a fundamental but unrecognised flaw in current thinking about caesarean delivery. Modern obstetrics teaching dictates that a caesarean delivery is either medically indicated or not--ie elective or on demand. Accepted indications include placenta praevia and cephalopelvic disproportion. We propose a rethinking that challenges the idea that all indications for caesarean delivery can be reliably categorised binomially. A grey area exists that has a larger effect on modern-day obstetrics than most people think. Discussion of elective caesarean delivery has been revitalised. Published work has examined the right of pregnant women to choose the mode of delivery whether or not there is an accepted medical indication. Scientific evidence about the safety and potential benefits of elective caesarean delivery has been accumulating. Obstetricians worldwide have identified the idea of caesarean delivery on maternal request as a contemporary ethical controversy. The US National Institute of Child Health and Human Development is convening an expert consensus meeting on March 27-29 2006 to discuss this topic. (excerpt)
Isomeric-yield ratios of 117Cd in the (n, γ) and (d, p) reactions

Abstract An isomeric-yield ratio, σ m σ g = 0·24±0·03 , was determined for the production of 2·4- h 117 g Cd and 3·4-h 117m Cd in the ( n , γ) reaction by measuring the relative intensities of γ-rays of the 117 Cd isomers and also of the 38-m 117g In and 1·93-h 117m In daughters milked from the 117 Cd. In the ( d , p ) reaction, the isomeric yield-ratio was found to be 0·60 ± 0·08. The reason for these ratios to be higher in 117 Cd than in 115 Cd is discussed in terms of the possibility of inversion of the level position of a low-lying 5 2 state with respect to that of a neighboring 7 2 or 9 2 state in going from 115 Cd to 117 Cd. The lowering of a 7 2 or 9 2 state below the 5 2 state in 117 Cd afford an intermediate state to channel transitions from the 5 2 states to the 11 2 −117m Cd , thus raising the isomer ratio.
Regulation of PTP1D mRNA by peptide growth factors in the human endometrial cell line HEC-1-A.

Objective To assess, in the human endometrial cell line HEC-1-A, the presence of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 (PTP1D) and the possible regulation of its mRNA expression by mitogens such as forskolin (an agent that increases intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate [cAMP] levels), epidemial growth factor (EGF), and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1).
Ultracentrifugation of rat intestinal mucosa.

Nous avons presente une methode de fractionnement et d'isolement des particules subcellulaires de la muqueuse intestinale du rat. L'heparine permit l'isolement de fractions relativement homogenes.
Tenuous ring formation by the capture of interplanetary dust at Saturn

[1] We examine the capture of interplanetary dust particles by Saturn using both a simple two-dimensional code as well as a three-dimensional code with more detailed charging currents and forces. The incoming grain's energy may be lost to the magnetosphere due to the grain's finite charging time as it passes through the magnetospheric plasma. The two-dimensional code uses an equilibrium grain potential as a function of radial position and a charging time as a function of particle size. The ratio of prograde to retrograde captures depends on the shape of the equilibrium potential as a function of distance from the planet, with more prograde captures observed for more negative potentials. In the three-dimensional simulations, we observe a thick ring of dust particles captured into retrograde orbits. This dust, which has a typical size of 0.1 μm, forms a tenuous ring around the planet extending from the edge of the main rings to 9 planetary radii with a thickness of ∼3 planetary radii. We predict that the peak density for retrograde particles is 3 x 10 -15 cm -3 , which should be observed by the Cassini spacecraft. We expect that with the appropriate viewing geometry, about 20 grains will be detected by the Cosmic Dust Analyzer during the first 4 years of the mission.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Reduces Ubiquitin and Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme Gene Expression but Does Not Inhibit Muscle Proteolysis in Septic Rats

We examined the effect of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), administered in vivo, on protein turnover rates and gene expression of the ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic pathway in skeletal muscle of septic rats. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture. Other rats were sham-operated. Miniosmotic pumps were implanted sc, and groups of rats received IGF-I (7 mg/kg·24 h) or saline. Protein synthesis and breakdown rates were determined in incubated extensor digitorum longus muscles. Messenger RNA levels for ubiquitin and the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E214k were determined by Northern blot analysis. Sepsis resulted in an approximately 30% reduction of muscle protein synthesis, and this effect of sepsis was blunted in rats treated with IGF-I. In contrast, IGF-I did not prevent the sepsis-induced increase in total and myofibrillar muscle protein breakdown. Ubiquitin and E214k messenger RNA levels were increased several fold in muscle from septic rats, and this effect of sepsis was abolished in IGF...
Leeside flows over delta wings at supersonic speeds

An experimental investigation of the lee-side flow on sharp leading-edge delta wings at supersonic speeds has been conducted. Pressure data were obtained at Mach numbers from 1.5 to 2.8, and three types of flow-visualization data (oil-flow, tuft, and vapor-screen) were obtained at Mach numbers from 1.7 to 2.8 for wing leading-edge sweep angles from 52.5 deg to 75 deg. From the flow-visualization data, the lee-side flows were classified into seven distinct types and a chart was developed that defines the flow mechanism as a function of the conditions normal to the wing leading edge, specifically, angle of attack and Mach number. Pressure data obtained experimentally and by a semiempirical prediction method were employed to investigate the effects of angle of attack, leading-edge sweep, and Mach number on vortex strength and vortex position. In general, the predicted and measured values of vortex-induced normal force and vortex position obtained from experimental data have the same trends with angle of attack, Mach number, and leading-edge sweep; however, the vortex-induced normal force is underpredicted by 15 to 30 percent, and the vortex spanwise location is overpredicted by approximately 15 percent.
Anchoring for Self-Efficacy and Success

In recent years, we have observed a rising interest in studying the effects of Web 2.0 technologies on student learning. We learned that human behavior can be influenced by personal and environmental factors as in Bandura's concept of "reciprocal causation." For business statistics students, we implemented online discussions to extend student involvement beyond the walls of the classroom to help students succeed. We chose business statistics primarily because many students have struggled in it. Students also had difficulty navigating through the standard online discussions. Moreover, their participation was mainly made out of compliance. We implemented anchored discussions to help with the navigation issue. We decided to examine the effects of the two forms of online discussions. We were not sure of the impact on students' self-efficacy and success. Our results from conducting the two studies show that anchored asynchronous online discussions are more likely to help increase students' self-efficacy. Moreover, students using the anchored discussions obtained statistically significant higher exam scores than students using standard discussions.
Epidermal enzymes as penetration enhancers in transdermal drug delivery

Epidermal enzymes play an important role in the process of differentiation of keratinocytes. The present preliminary in vitro study was undertaken to observe if topical enzyme treatment influenced permeation of compounds across the skin. Due to the noted function and importance of phosphatidylcholine metabolism during maturation of the barrier lipids, the effects of topical application of the phosphatidylcholine dependent phospholipase C enzyme (not present in epidermis) on skin penetration of three model drugs, viz. benzoic acid, mannitol and testosterone, were studied. Similar studies were also carried out using epidermal enzymes like triacylglycerol hydrolase, acid phosphatase, and phospholipase A2 (present in epidermis). Pretreatment of skin with phospholipase C significantly enhanced permeation of benzoic acid, mannitol, and testosterone relative to untreated skin. Triacylglycerol hydrolase (neutral) increased the penetration of mannitol 3-fold and had no effect on benzoic acid penetration. Topical application of acid phosphatase did not alter the permeation of any of these compounds. Phospholipase A2 significantly enhanced permeation of benzoic acid and mannitol while it did not have any effect on the penetration of testosterone. These results for the first time demonstrate that enzymes may remarkably affect and/or regulate the permeation of topically applied compounds.
Resource Allocation Decisions in Audit Engagements

Abstract. We examine the empirical relationship between auditors' resource allocations and selected engagement characteristics. Our measure of resources is hours of grades of labor (partner, manager, etc.) “charged” to audit activities (planning, internal control evaluation, etc.). Engagement characteristics examined are client size, industry affiliation, client complexity, risk, auditor provision of management advisory services to the auditee, and degree of control reliance. The data were obtained from publicly available sources and a survey developed and administered by an international public accounting firm. We find the cross-sectional variation in the labor charged to various audit activities can be explained by engagement characteristics found to be important in prior studies on audit fees, total labor inputs, and the mix of labor inputs. Measures of client size, industry, complexity, risk, and services provided are associated with changes in the allocation of labor among audit activities. We find no substitution of internal control review/testing for substantive testing on reliance audits. Task assignments vary by rank. Measures of client size, complexity, risk, and services provided are associated with activity-specific changes in the labor mix.
Thyrotoxicosis secondary to involvement of the thyroid with malignant lymphoma.

Abstract A patient with malignant lymphoma devel oped goiter and thy rotoxicosis during the course of her disease. A thyroid biopsy revealed involvement of the thyroid gland with a malignant lymphoma. This was associated with the high levels of circulating thyroglobulin and thyroid hormones. The patient was treated with propylthiouracil, local radiotherapy, and nitrogen mustard and prednisone. The patient became euthyroid with the disappearance of goiter. Circulating levels of thyroglobulin and thyroid hormones returned to the normal range.
Octa‐, Hexa‐, and Tetracoordination in Tin(IV) Derivatives of cis‐β‐(Methylthio)stilbene‐α‐thiol

The S-methyl-cis-stilbene-α,β-dithiolate of Sn(IV), Sn[Ph(S)C=C(SCH3)Ph]4, has an octacoordinate structure with two sets of four covalent and coordinate Sn–S and Sn–S(CH3) bonds of 2.425(3) and 3.599(3) A, respectively. Both types of Sn–S bonds are close to being tetrahedral, the coordination geometry is a distorted cube. This unprecedented structure appears to involve conventional covalent and outer-sphere coordinative Sn–S bonds. In the diphenyl derivative Ph2Sn[Ph(S)C=C(SCH3)Ph]2 the SnC2S2 core formed by the covalent Sn–C and Sn–S(thiolato) bonds is tetrahedral, but two coordinate outer-sphere Sn-S(CH3) bonds of 3.500(3) A are also present. In the related SnCl2[Ph(S)C=C(SCH3)Ph]2 the presence of the polar Sn–Cl bonds prevents outer-sphere bonding; the coordination geometry is distorted octahedral. In the triphenyltin derivative Ph3Sn[Ph(S)C=C(SCH3)Ph] the coordination geometry is tetrahedral, the thiol-thioether ligand being monodentate with the SCH3 group in a non-interactive position.
The Role of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Signaling in Intestinal Inflammation

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathway plays a central role in regulating the host inflammatory response. The net effect can either be pro- or anti-inflammatory depending on the system and cellular context studied. This paper focuses on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling in innate and adaptive immune cells of the intestinal mucosa. The role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling in mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease is also discussed. With the development of new isoform specific inhibitors, we are beginning to understand the specific role of this complex pathway, in particular the role of the γ isoform in intestinal inflammation. Continued research on this complex pathway will enhance our understanding of its role and provide rationale for the design of new approaches to intervention in chronic inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Improved Efficiency in Blue Phosphorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Devices Using Host Materials of Lower Triplet Energy than the Phosphorescent Blue Emitter

Data from a series of phosphorescent blue organic light emitting devices OLEDs with emissive layers consisting of either CBP:6% Firpic or mCP:6% FIrpic show that the triplet energy of the hole and electron transport layers can have a larger influence on the external quantum efficiency of an operating OLED than the triplet energy of the host material. These results are important and insightful given the commonly held view that host materials for phosphorescent OLEDs must have a triplet energy higher than that of the emitter in order to obtain high external quantum efficiency (EQE). A new host material, 4-(di-ptolylaminophenyl)diphenylphosphine oxide (DHM-A2), which has a triplet energy less than that of FIrpic is also reported. OLEDs fabricated using DHM-A2 show improved performance (lower drive voltage and higher external quantum efficiency) over OLEDs using 4- (diphenylphosphoryl)-N,N-diphenylaniline (HMA1), a high performance ambipolar DHM-A2 analogue with a triplet energy greater than FIrpic. Our results suggest modified design rules for the development of new, high performance host materials., ames, more focus can be placed on molecular structures that provide good charge transport (i.e., ambipolarity for charge balance) and good molecular stability (for long lifetimes). This improved understanding provides additional flexibility in order to generate OLEDsmore » with lower operating voltage and longer lifetime, while still providing high EQE.« less
Media and aging: A critical review of an expanding field of communication research

The purpose of this article is to summarize the studies that fall within the developing field of media and aging. A brief historical sketch of the field's major developments is followed by a review of the research. Six categories are offered for purposes of organizing the studies. A final evaluative summary of the findings is followed by suggestions for future research and theoretical development in media and aging.
Holographic Conversion Of A Gaussian Beam To A Uniform Beam

A two holographic-optical-element system is described for converting a round-shaped Gaussian-profile laser beam into a square-shaped beam that is uniform in amplitude and phase. The goal is to develop a compact, high-quality and efficient system for this conversion. Theoretical analysis, design considerations, and experimental results are presented.
Electrostatic interactions in polyglutamic acid

Conformational energy estimates were made for completely charged polyglutamic acid with different assumptions concerning the placement of side chain charge. Viewed as a helix, the minimum energy structure is somewhat affected by the side-chain charge placement. The average energy of the chain viewed as a random coil is equal to or less than the average energy of the chain viewed as a helix. Unlike the polyacrylate chain, nearest-neighbor charge interaction is shown to increase the chain dimensions. Although the calculations are approximate there is little evidence to suggest that isolated polyglutamate molecules in the absence of added electrolyte should behave as rods or that there are significant amounts of locally ordered structures. Presently no experimental results exist under conditions appropriate to isolated molecular calculations.
CRYPTIC DIVERSITY IN PHYTOPLANKTON CULTURES IS REVEALED USING A SIMPLE PLATING TECHNIQUE1

A simple technique has been developed to probe the occurrence of cryptic genetic diversity in populations of laboratory-maintained phytoplankton cultures. This agarose-based method allows the investigator to plate a broad range of fragile algae, including representatives of the Raphidophyceae, Synurophyceae, Prymnesiophyceae, and Dinophyceae. Heterosigma akashiwo (Hada) Hada ex Y. Hara et Chihara was selected as a model system for our genetic diversity study. Further optimization of the plating technique for this alga demonstrated that colony formation was independent of the physiological state of the parent culture and yet dependent on incident light intensity. The density at which cells were plated affected colony formation and the rate of growth, with intermediate densities (∼103 cells per plate) performing best. High-metal stress was used as the selective screen for assessing genetic variability within a single H. akashiwo culture. To this end, “clonal” lines (quotation marks used to indicate that within-clone diversity was expected) were generated from individual plated colonies, and their tolerance was measured by plating on selective medium. Results of these experiments suggest the following: (i) “clonal” lines generated from a single H. akashiwo culture displayed a significant variation in stress tolerance; (ii) “clonal” lines chosen for their ability to grow on selective plates retained this tolerance in the absence of stress, indicating that the observed variation is heritable; and (iii) genetic variation is continually generated in growing cultures. Our results are consistent with a conceptual model, presented here, in which stress tolerance among the individuals in a culture has a genetic basis that varies over a continuous spectrum.
Continuum modeling of a composite material with internal resonators

Abstract Two continuum methods were investigated for modeling the dynamic behavior of an acoustic metamaterial in the form of a composite material with internal resonators. First, an effective homogeneous classical continuum model was proposed. The effective elastic constants for this continuum are obtained by taking the static equivalence between the continuum and the composite, while the effective mass density adopts the form of a second order tensor. The second model is also a continuum model that is described by two displacement variables. In addition to the usual displacement vector, a displacement vector for the motion of the resonator mass is included, thus making this multi-displacement model quite different from the classical model for elastic solids. It was shown that the dispersion relations predicted by the proposed two approaches were practically the same. The accuracy of the dispersion curves was verified by finite element analyses. Simplicity is the main advantage of the first approach. However, it has to adopt an unusual frequency-dependent effective mass density which may become negative in certain frequency range. On the other hand, the multi-displacement model can be constructed based on the actual material properties of the composite and, in general, is more versatile for further extensions to complex microstructures.
A new conserved quantity for non-Kerr law optical solitons

This paper talks about a new conservation law in non-Kerr law media. This new integral of motion is used to provide an equation for the phase of the soliton. This law is also used to obtain the adiabatic variation of the soliton phase due to perturbation terms in a non-Kerr law media that includes the power law, parabolic law and the dual-power law.
Real-time ocean chemical measurement: at-sea ICP-MS experiments

We describe the first at-sea deployment and operation of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) for continuous measurement of isotopes and trace element concentrations in sea-water. The purpose of these experiments was to demonstrate that an ICP-MS can be operated in a harsh environment with no degradation in performance, and that accurate trace element data can be acquired on rapid analytical time scales. Evaluation at sea involved performance testing, characterization and calibration of a real-time sea-water analytical methodology, and continuous sea-water profiling over an extended three day transect from the Gulf of California to San Diego. We show that mass spectrometers can rapidly, precisely and accurately determine trace element concentrations in sea-water, thus allowing high-resolution mapping of large areas of surface sea-water. This analytical capability represents a significant advance toward real-time observation and characterization of water mass chemistry in dynamic coastal environments. While evaluating the ICP-MS off the coast of Baja California, we discovered barium depletion of 65% in surface waters over tens of kilometres.
3501 Endoscopic fibrin sealant injection with application of hemostatic clips: a novel method of closing a refractory gastrocutaneous fistula.

Background: Management of non-healing gastrocutanous fistula is difficult especially in debilitated patients. Methods: On an elderly man with advanced stage esophageal cancer and sever oxygen-dependent lung disease; who had persistent acid leakage from the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy site, small stripes of absorbable fiber(Surgicel)were introduced from the cutaneous side of the fistula and fibrin sealant(Tisseel® VH)with its two components was endoscopically injected through a specially designed syringe(Duploject® applicator) and catheter (Duplocath® 180, Immuno AG,Vienna, Austria) in addition to applying of four hemeostatic clips(Rotatable clip fixing device HX-5LR-1. Olympus,America INC,Melville,N.Y) on the gastric aspect of the fistula. Results: stopping of the leakage was successful,permanent and prevented more morbidity with no complication. Conclusion: We believe that our new technique is a novel and successful one, but large study is needed to define the proper candidates and success rate.
Systematic development of customized CVD coatings

To a great extent coatings for structural applications have been developed by a combination of insight and empiricism. This approach has failed to provide a scientific and systematic base for future design and development of new and/or improved coatings. The difficulty arises from the innumerable process and structural parameters that need to be understood and controlled accurately. Therefore, it is essential that future improvements or development of novel coatings take a multidisciplinary approach using fundamental principles related to equilibrium thermodynamics and process kinetics. Discussion is centered on the utilization of such an approach to formulate concepts that can aid in the design and development of tailored coatings. Specific examples of several coating systems currently under development are discussed. The intent is to show that the total solution to the systematic development of customized coatings requires a combination of both fundamental analysis and a pragmatic process optimization approach.
Modified French-window thoracotomy for exposure of the anterior thoracic spine

Due to the limited exposure, technical challenges, and postoperative pain of thoracic spine surgery, open thoracotomy and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The modified French-window thoracotomy approach with the aid of a thoracoscope is a useful technique for approaching diseases of the anterior spinal. This approach allows for specific exposure of the spine with a reduction in postoperative pain, morbidity, and mortality and avoids the limitations of VATS.
Director configurations and configuration transitions in PDLC material

The molecular anchoring strength for the liquid crystal E7 (EM Chemicals) confined to spherical cavities dispersed in the polyurethane TU5OA (CONAP) is measured. The anchoring strength values result from a study of the radial-to-axial configuration transition when perpendicular anchoring conditions exist at the polymer/liquid crystal interface. This transition is also a function of droplet radius, temperature, and the strength of any external fields present. A study of field-induced configuration transitions provides values for the reduced local electric fields inside droplets. Computer simulated pictures of nematic droplets are formed to identify director configurations.
Public Policy Toward Pecuniary Externalities

Pecuniary externalities create third-party effects through changes in relative prices or asset prices. Unlike technological externalities, they do not misallocate resources and are necessary for the market to work efficiently. However, the political process does not differentiate pecuniary from technological externalities and often tries to prevent pecuniary externalities, which creates resource misallocations. The article shows how pecuniary externalities function in markets, why the political process takes account of pecuniary externalities, and why public policy toward pecuniary externalities results in resource misallocations.
A readily-prepared and efficient solid-supported scavenger for molybdenum alkoxides and a structurally characterized model complex

Abstract A very effective solid support for the removal of molybdenum-based metathesis catalysts can be prepared by placing a salicylimine on a polystyrene support. The resin is produced by treating Merrifield’s resin with H2NBun, 4-chloromethylsalicylaldehyde, and p-toluidine in succession. The final resin had an identifiable C N stretch in the IR and a resonance assigned to the HC N hydrogen was found by MAS 1H NMR of the swelled resin. Solutions of Mo[C(H)CMe2Ph](NAr)(OButF6)2 (MoF6) and Mo[C(H)CMe2Ph](NAr)(OAd)2 (MoAd), where Ar = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl and Ad = 1-adamantyl, were treated with the scavenger, which reduced the remaining molybdenum concentration as examined by ICP-MS to 30–50 ppb. Catalyst was also scavenged from ring-closing metathesis of diethyl diallylmalonate by MoF6; the decrease in molybdenum concentration on addition of scavenger followed first order kinetics with initial and final concentrations of 54 000 and 15 ppb, respectively. We also prepared a model system where a soluble salicylimine (H-DIB) was reacted with Mo[C(H)CMe2Ph](NAr)(OAd)2 to produce Mo[C(H)CMe2Ph](NAr)(DIB)2, which was structurally characterized.
The nature of Petschek-type reconnection

It is not always appreciated that Petschek’s reconnection mechanism is a particular solution of the MHD equations which applies only when special conditions are met. Specifically, it requires that the flow into the reconnection region be set up spontaneously without external forcing. This condition is satisfied when reconnection in a simple current sheet is initiated by enhancing the resistivity in a localized region. Such a process disrupts the current sheet and launches slow-mode waves which steepen into nearly switch-off shocks of the type predicted by Petschek. As these shocks propagate outwards, the current sheet reforms at the original point of the disturbance, and a quasi-steady Petschek-like configuration is set up. Syrovatskii-like configurations which force reconnection by driving a flow toward an initially current-free, orthogonal x-point are less likely to satisfy the conditions required for Petschek-type reconnection.
Combining the Model/View/Control Design Pattern with the DEVS Formalism to Achieve Rigor and Reusability in Distributed Simulation

Defense-related simulation efforts are increasingly focused on component-based simulation development. This focus is reflected in efforts to design new simulation software in terms of interacting components that can be understood and reused in isolation or collectively and to modify legacy simulators to incorporate new component-based simulation technology. A strong, new capability to modify simulation software is necessary to make component-based simulation development a reality. Such a capability can only be realized by incorporating sound modeling and simulation principles and a clear separation of concerns between models, simulators, and distributed computing. This paper presents a design pattern that supports the construction of adaptable simulation software via an extension of the Model/View/Control design pattern. The resulting Model/Simulator/View/Control pattern incorporates key concepts from the DEVS modeling and simulation methodology in order to promote a separation of modeling, simulation, an...
Polycentric governance of multifunctional forested landscapes

Human-induced causes of forest change occur at multiple scales. Yet, most governance mechanisms are designed at a single level – whether international, national, regional or local – and do not provide effective solutions for the overarching challenge of forest governance. Efforts to “decentralize” governmental arrangements frequently do not recognize the importance of complex, polycentric arrangements and are based on a presumption of a single government at one level taking charge of a policy arena, often ignoring the existence of many vibrant self-governed institutions. Polycentric institutions provide a useful framework for governance, enabling aspects of preferred solutions to be used together in efforts to protect the long-term sustainability of diverse forested social-ecological systems. By considering the interaction between actors at different levels of governance, polycentricity contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the variation in diverse governance outcomes in the management of common-pool resources based on the needs and interests of citizens and the complexity of resources and governance systems at local, regional, national, and global levels. In this paper, we discuss challenges to polycentricity such as the matching of the boundaries of those who benefit, those who contribute with the boundary of the resource. We describe some approaches that have been effectively utilized to address these challenges in forests in various parts of the world. We also provide a brief overview of how the concept of polycentricity helps in the analysis of climate change and the closely related international effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through degradation and deforestation (REDD).
Acoustic response to a pheromonal cue in the arctiid moth Pyrrharctia isabella

. The acoustic properties of the clicks emitted in response to male courtship pheromone by female Pyrrharctia Isabella (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) have been investigated. Extracts of male scent organs or synthetic male pheromones can be applied to a glass rod and used to stimulate females to produce these sounds. Power spectra, sound pressure readings, and oscillographic analyses show that the acoustic signals elicited by male extracts or synthetic male pheromones are not distinguishable from those produced in response to disturbance (handling). This is the first reported example of a sound produced by a female moth in a sexual context, and is the first reported example in moths of an acoustic response to a pheromonal stimulus.
Privacy Preserving Group Nearest Neighbour Queries in Location-Based Services Using Cryptographic Techniques

Location-based services (LBS) are available on a variety of mobile platforms like cellphones, PDA''s, etc. and an increasing number of users subscribe to and use these services. One of the basic privacy issues with LBS is that a user may not necessarily want to disclose their own location whenever they inquire about the location of places of interest to them e.g., nearest gas station, restaurant etc. The privacy aspect of LBS has received attention recently with a number of privacy-preserving methodologies being proposed for the client-server model where a querying client requests a location-based server to return some location that is of interest to it without revealing its own location to the server. In this paper, we consider privacy issues in the peer-to-peer model of LBS, where a group of users jointly compute a common location of interest to them such as a restaurant where they could all meet. In such scenarios, all peers in the group would like to jointly find a common location but might not want to reveal their individual locations to each other due to trust issues. We model this problem in the secure multi-party computation framework of cryptography and present a solution where all the peers can jointly compute a common location without the need for any user to reveal its individual location to anyone else. To this end, we present two privacy-preserving models and experimentally evaluate the performance of each of them.
Behavioral effects of 1300 MHz high peak-power microwave irradiation

Results of behavioral and physiological studies on the effects of high-peak-power microwaves (HPMs) are reported. Rats were typically irradiated for 10 min using 1300-MHz microwaves with 10-MW forward power, 5- and 10-Hz pulse repetition frequency, 1.8-kW/cm/sup 2/ peak-power density with 1-, 5-, or 10- mu s pulse widths. Results indicated that irradiation reduced locomotor activity and response rates under a variable interval schedule but did not disrupt discrete-trial avoidance or escape response. A single 10-min exposure caused deficits in memory processing and caused rats to form an aversion to the site of irradiation. The results of these experiments establish a preliminary threshold of HPM irradiation sufficient to produce behavioral effects consistently. >
Expression glasses: a wearable device for facial expression recognition

Expression Glasses provide a wearable "appliance-based" alternative to general-purpose machine vision face recognition systems. The glasses sense facial muscle movements, and use pattern recognition to identify meaningful expressions such as confusion or interest. A prototype of the glasses has been built and evaluated. The prototype uses piezoelectric sensors hidden in a visor extension to a pair of glasses, providing for compactness, user control, and anonymity. On users who received no training or feedback, the glasses initially performed at 94% accuracy in detecting an expression, and at 74% accuracy in recognizing whether the expression was confusion or interest. Significant improvement beyond these numbers appears to be possible with extended use, and with-a small amount of feedback (letting the user see the output of the system).
Changes in third molar and nonthird molar periodontal pathology over time.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess changes in periodontal probing depth (PD) over time for third molar and nonthird molar regions in young adults. Patients and Methods The data were obtained from healthy subjects with 4 asymptomatic third molars, enrolled in an IRB-approved longitudinal trial. Demographic and oral health data were collected at baseline. Full-mouth PD, 6 sites per tooth, was conducted to determine periodontal status at baseline and at longest follow-up. The third molar region was defined as the PD for 6 sites around the third molars and the 2 sites on the distal of the second molars. The nonthird molar region was defined as the remainder of the PD sites in the mouth. The primary outcome measures for this study were the occurrence of a PD greater than or equal to 4 mm and the increase in PD of at least 2 mm in the third molar and nonthird molar regions. Changes from enrollment to longest follow-up were compared by the binomial or McNemar’s test. Level of significance was .05. Results Data from 195 subjects were available, and the median follow-up was 5.9 years (interquartile range [IQ], 4.6 to 6.9 years). Median age at enrollment was 26.2 years (IQ, 22.0 to 34.0 years); 52% were female, 84% were Caucasian, and 10% were African American. The proportion of subjects with at least 1 involved site in nonthird molars increased significantly from baseline to follow-up, 36% to 49% ( P P P = .05), also reflecting mostly changes in mandibular nonthird molars, 44% to 59% ( P = .05). Conclusion In this unique longitudinal clinical study of early periodontal disease in young adults, periodontal pathology worsened over time for nonthird molars. This was more likely if PD greater than or equal to 4 mm was detected in the third molar region.
Arabidopsis hapless Mutations Define Essential Gametophytic Functions

In flowering plants, the egg develops within a haploid embryo sac (female gametophyte) that is encased within the pistil. The haploid pollen grain (male gametophyte) extends a pollen tube that carries two sperm cells within its cytoplasm to the embryo sac. This feat requires rapid, precisely guided, and highly polarized growth through, between, and on the surface of the cells of the stigma, style, and ovary. Pollen tube migration depends on a series of long-range signals from diploid female cells as well as a short-range attractant emitted by the embryo sac that guides the final stage of tube growth. We developed a genetic screen in Arabidopsis thaliana that tags mutant pollen with a cell-autonomous marker carried on an insertion element. We found 32 haploid-disrupting (hapless) mutations that define genes required for pollen grain development, pollen tube growth in the stigma and style, or pollen tube growth and guidance in the ovary. We also identified genomic DNA flanking the insertion element for eleven hap mutants and showed that hap1 disrupts AtMago, a gene whose ortholog is important for Drosophila cell polarity.
Synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic properties of pyrochlore Bi2Ti2O7 nanotubes

Bismuth titanate (Bi2Ti2O7) nanotubes were successfully synthesized with an alumina template-based sol-gel technique. As-synthesized nanotubes are smooth and uniform with diameters ranging from 180 to 330 nm and lengths varying from 7 to 12 μm. Extensive characterization of as-prepared samples has been performed using x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and selected-area electron diffraction (SAED). Photocatalytic studies indicate that as-prepared nanotubes possess higher photocatalytic activity than the corresponding bulk sample prepared without the use of an alumina template.
Religiosity, Spirituality, and Psychological Distress in African-Americans at Risk for Having a Hereditary Cancer Predisposing Gene Mutation

Elevated psychological distress has been observed among people at increased risk for familial cancer. Researchers consider religiosity and spirituality (RS) to be positive coping mechanisms associated with reduced psychological distress. Relatively little is known about the impact of RS on genomic health issues. The objectives of our study were: (1) describe the prevalence of RS and depressive symptoms and (2) explore how RS relates to psychological distress in a cohort of individuals with a > or =25% prior probability of a genetic predisposition to cancer. Participants (n = 99) were drawn from an African-American, Louisiana-based kindred with a mutation at the BRCA1 locus. This analysis reports findings from a survey assessing RS and the use of three types of religious coping styles: collaborative, self-directing, and deferring. Clinically significant depressive symptoms were relatively high (27%); with females (33%) more likely than males (17%) to report symptoms (P < 0.01). The majority of participants reported being highly religious. The most commonly employed religious problem solving style used by participants was collaborative (X=22.9; SD=5.8) versus self-directing (X=12.8; SD = 5.1) and deferring (X=19.9; SD = 6.3). We did not observe significant associations between RS indicators and psychological distress, nor did we observe appreciable differences related to gender or risk perception. Although RS beliefs and practices are important for many African-Americans, we did not find evidence that indicators of self-reported RS are associated with psychological distress prior to genetic counseling and testing.
DETERMINING FAT CONTENT IN GROUND BEEF VIA COLOR IMAGE PROCESSING

Two lots of beef trim were formulated into nine meat blocks which ranged from 9 to 32% fat. Ground samples (n=2) were randomly taken from each meat block, images were captured in the hue, saturation and intensity (HSI) format and fat content were determined. Patties from each block were manufactured and randomly selected (n=3) for image capture and fat content determination. The HSI statistical function characteristics for the color distribution curves were evaluated. Fat content was correlated to many of the image characteristics (p < 0.05). Image variables accounted from 81 to 87% of the variation in actual fat content, depending on which form was analyzed, and residual standard deviations ranged from 2.75 to 3.62%. These data show that image processing may be a useful technology for monitoring ground beef composition with fat levels up to 32%.
Effect of food availability on the response of planktonic rotifers to a toxic strain of the cyanobacterium Anabaena flos-aquae

The ability of food concentration to modify the response of zooplankton to toxic cyanobacteria was examined using chronic (lifetime) toxicity tests with two rotifers, Brachionus calyciflorus and Synchaeta pectinata, and a strain of Anabaena flos-aquae producing the alkaloid neurotoxin, anatoxin-a. In a clone of S. pectinata, the cyanobacterium decreased both life span and lifetime fecundity to a much greater extent when the availability of food (Cryptomonas erosa) was low. Fecundity was the most sensitive parameter. In one experiment, the cyanobacterium (2.5 μg ml -1 ) decreased fecundity by 29% at the highest food concentration (2 x 10 4 cells ml -1 ) but by 90% at the lowest one (3 x 10 3 cells ml -1 ). In two clones of B. calyciflorus, A. flos-aquae decreased lifespan, fecundity, and population growth rate, but there was only a tendency in one of the clones for the inhibition to be greater at lower food concentrations. The degree to which toxic cyanobacteria affect the population dynamics of susceptible zooplankton taxa in natural communities may be greatly influenced by modifying environmental factors such as food availability and temperature, especially if these factors act additively or synergistically.
Depression and self-actualization in gifted adolescents

Administered the Multiscore Depression Inventory and the Personal Orientation Inventory to 248 academically gifted adolescents drawn from across the state of South Carolina to participate in a select program. Low but significant correlations were noted among several of the scales. Factor analysis of the scales of both instruments resulted in five factors for females and six for males. In both samples the first two factors accounted for more than half the variance. Gifted students who were not self-actualizing types were more depressed, and their pattern of scores revealed that guilt, low self-esteem, learned helplessness, and cognitive difficulty were important symptoms. The gifted adolescents, on the whole, tended to be more socially introverted.
Resistance loci affecting distinct stages of fungal pathogenesis: use of introgression lines for QTL mapping and characterization in the maize--Setosphaeria turcica pathosystem.

Background Studies on host-pathogen interactions in a range of pathosystems have revealed an array of mechanisms by which plants reduce the efficiency of pathogenesis. While R-gene mediated resistance confers highly effective defense responses against pathogen invasion, quantitative resistance is associated with intermediate levels of resistance that reduces disease progress. To test the hypothesis that specific loci affect distinct stages of fungal pathogenesis, a set of maize introgression lines was used for mapping and characterization of quantitative trait loci (QTL) conditioning resistance to Setosphaeria turcica, the causal agent of northern leaf blight (NLB). To better understand the nature of quantitative resistance, the identified QTL were further tested for three secondary hypotheses: (1) that disease QTL differ by host developmental stage; (2) that their performance changes across environments; and (3) that they condition broad-spectrum resistance.