cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Community structure and regeneration types of Betula dahurica forest in Badaling forest center of Beijing

Using plant community analysis methods, we analyzed the floristic characteristics, species composition, community structure, population structure, and spatial distribution patterns of a Betula dahurica forest on the “1238” mountain of Badaling in Beijing, China. The results show that: 1) There are 33 plant species in the B. dahurica community, including 18 woody plant species. The B. dahurica forest is a monodominant community with 75.9% dominance. 2) Based on diameter at breast height (DBH) size class distribution, the population structure of B. dahurica and Acer mono—two heliophyllous and pioneer tree species—is cascade-type, with both in an increasing stage. The population structure of Tilia mandshurica and T. mongolica, two shade-tolerant tree species, is inverse-J type, and they have more young seedling individuals and regenerate more stably. They are associated species of the pioneer tree species. The population structure of Quercus mongolica, as the associated species of climax species in the community, is sporadic, and its regeneration is fluctuating and random. Fraxinus rhynchophylla is a shade-tolerant tree species which has a unibar population structure and climax characteristics of pioneer tree species. The relative frequency of young seedlings reached 0.4. 3) The dominant species B. dahurica is still in an increasing stage, and the regeneration of other species is steady or partly influences the community, putting the community in the pioneer species stage. From the population structure and distribution frequency of F. rhynchophylla, the B. dahurica forest will approach to a climax state in the future.
Measurability analysis of the electric-type components of the linearized gravitational radiation field

The equivalence principle as well as the spin-two character of the weak gravitational field lead to difficulties in the measurability analysis of this field which are not encountered in Bohr and Rosenfeld's corresponding inquiry into the electromagnetic field. To meet these difficulties, atomic elastic structures are proposed as gravitational field detectors whose parameters (masses, total volumes, lattice and elastic constants) are adjustable. The limitations imposed by the uncertainty principle and by the radiation reaction of the detectors on the determination of the amplitude, frequency, and direction of the field are then exhibited. Finally, the relevance of the present work to the investigation of DeWitt and to Einstein's full theory of gravitation is briefly considered.
Role of Visual Attention in Cognitive Control of Oculomotor Readiness in Students with Reading Disabilities

This study investigated eye movement and comprehension therapy in Grade 6 children with reading disabilities (RD). Both order of therapy and type of therapy were examined. Furthermore, the implications of visual attention in ameliorating reading disability are discussed. Thirty-one students with RD were identified using standardized reading comprehension tests. Eye movements were analyzed objectively using an infra-red recording device. Reading scores of participating children were 0.5 to 1 SD below the national mean. Testing took place before the start of therapy (T1) and was repeated after 12 weeks (T2) and 24 weeks (T3) of therapy. One group of students had eye movement therapy first, followed by comprehension therapy; in the other group, the order was reversed. Data were evaluated using a repeated measures MANOVA and post hoc tests. At T1, mean reading grade was 2 years below grade level, and eye movement scores were at about Grade 2 level. Mean growth in reading comprehension for the total sample was 2.6 years (p < .01) at T3; equally significant improvement was measured in eye movements (p < .01). Learning rate in reading comprehension improved from 60% (T1) to 400% (T3). Although within-group differences were statistically significant, between-group differences were not significant for comprehension or eye movements. Order of therapy (comprehension first or eye movements first) was not significant. Improvements in within-group scores for comprehension and eye movements were consistently significant at T2 and T3. Eye movement therapy improved eye movements and also resulted in significant gains in reading comprehension. Comprehension therapy likewise produced improvement both in eye movement efficiency and in reading comprehension. The results support the notion of a cognitive link among visual attention, oculomotor readiness, and reading comprehension.
Observing behavior and children's discrimination learning under delayed reinforcement☆

Abstract Eighty third-grade children learned a simultaneous, two-choice discrimination under one of four conditions: immediate reinforcement (IR), 20-second empty delay (ED), 20-second delay with both stimuli available during delay (DL), and the same delay-looking condition with the response button under the chosen stimulus illuminated during delay (DLR). In acquisition and performance DL and DLR were superior to IR, which was superior to ED. Preresponse observing behavior was more extensive for DL, DLR, and ED than for IR. In groups DL and DLR, however, observing responses to the incorrect stimulus declined over trials, while those to the correct stimulus did not. In group ED observing responses continued at a high, flat rate, and did not favor the correct over the incorrect stimulus. It is concluded that in groups DL and DLR, a strong set to observe and compare stimuli was established that generalized to the preresponse interval and facilitated learning. In group ED the high rate of unselective observing behavior is attributed to the deprivation manipulation unique to that group. A distinction is drawn between observing responses as consummatory behavior (ED) and as instrumental, information-getting behavior (DL and DLR). Only the latter facilitates discrimination. A small, consistent superiority of DLR over DL in both observing and discriminating is attributed to the response reminder provided to group DLR.
A statistically motivated framework for simulation of stochastic data fusion models applied to multimodal neuroimaging.

Abstract Multimodal fusion is becoming more common as it proves to be a powerful approach to identify complementary information from multimodal datasets. However, simulation of joint information is not straightforward. Published approaches mostly employ limited, provisional designs that often break the link between the model assumptions and the data for the sake of demonstrating properties of fusion techniques. This work introduces a new approach to synthetic data generation which allows full-compliance between data and model while still representing realistic spatiotemporal features in accordance with the current neuroimaging literature. The focus is on the simulation of joint information for the verification of stochastic linear models, particularly those used in multimodal data fusion of brain imaging data. Our first goal is to obtain a benchmark ground-truth in which estimation errors due to model mismatch are minimal or none. Then we move on to assess how estimation is affected by gradually increasing model discrepancies toward a more realistic dataset. The key aspect of our approach is that it permits complete control over the type and level of model mismatch, allowing for more educated inferences about the limitations and caveats of select stochastic linear models. As a result, impartial comparison of models is possible based on their performance in multiple different scenarios. Our proposed method uses the commonly overlooked theory of copulas to enable full control of the type and level of dependence/association between modalities, with no occurrence of spurious multimodal associations. Moreover, our approach allows for arbitrary single-modality marginal distributions for any fixed choice of dependence/association between multimodal features. Using our simulation framework, we can rigorously challenge the assumptions of several existing multimodal fusion approaches. Our study brings a new perspective to the problem of simulating multimodal data that can be used for ground-truth verification of various stochastic multimodal models available in the literature, and reveals some important aspects that are not captured or are overlooked by ad hoc simulations that lack a firm statistical motivation.
Determination of submicro quantities of ammonia.

Abstract A method for the determination of submicro quantities of ammonia is described. The method makes use of glutamic dehydrogenase as a specific ammonia reagent when applied to the reductive amination of α-ketoglutaric acid.
Perceptions of Mothers: Effects of Employment Status, Marital Status, and Age of Child.

Ninety-six female and 96 male college students evaluated a briefly described adult female stimulus person on 24 7-point bipolar scales that described personality traits and professional performance characteristics. Each subject rated 1 of 8 mothers, who was described as either employed or nonemployed, either divorced or married, and as having either a 1-year-old or 11-year-old child. Employed mothers were viewed as less family oriented, but as more instrumental than nonemployed mothers. Divorced mothers were perceived as less well adjusted but more instrumental than married mothers. Employed mothers with a 1-year-old child were rated as most professionally competent, while employed mothers with an 11-year-old child were rated as most instrumental.
The multidiscipline approach: a marketing application

No approach is more widely heralded, yet more effectively ignored in actual practice, than the multidiscipline technique in systems design.
The birth of topological insulators

Certain insulators have exotic metallic states on their surfaces. These states are formed by topological effects that also render the electrons travelling on such surfaces insensitive to scattering by impurities. Such topological insulators may provide new routes to generating novel phases and particles, possibly finding uses in technological applications in spintronics and quantum computing.
Real projective spaces are nonfibrators

Abstract Fibrators are manifolds which, in context, automatically induce approximate fibrations. This paper sets forth a new method for constructing nonfibrators, by establishing that a closed connected manifold N fails to be a codimension k+1 fibrator provided there exists a homeomorphism h of N×S k onto itself such that proj·h:N×{ point }→N is not a homotopy equivalence. Consequently, real projective n -space fails to be a codimension n+1 fibrator, and certain manifolds covered by S 3 fail to be codimension 4 fibrators.
Diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection

Hepatitis C virus was identified in 1989 as a major cause of the parenterally transmitted non-A non-B hepatitis. Chronic hepatitis C virus infection affects an estimated 170 million people worldwide1 and is characterised by varying degrees of inflammation and hepatic fibrosis. A proportion of patients with chronic infection will develop progressive liver damage with cirrhosis and complications of end stage liver disease over 20 to 40 years. Chronic infection is now the leading indication for liver transplantation in developed nations and will continue to pose an important health and economic burden during the next 10 to 20 years. Here we outline the criteria for screening, diagnosing, and treating patients with hepatitis C virus infection and describe potential future therapies. Hepatitis C virus (see bmj.com for description of virus) is transmitted by parenteral or permuscosal exposure to infected blood or body fluids. Many patients will give a history of injecting drug use or transfusion of blood products before the implementation of antihepatitis C virus screening of blood donors in 1992. Seroprevalence among injecting drug users is more than 80%, and this remains a major risk factor for newly acquired hepatitis C virus infection in the developed world. Community based strategies for prevention of infection in these high risk groups are needed urgently but depend on resources (box 1). Screening of volunteer blood donations in developed nations has significantly reduced transfusion related hepatitis. Most countries in the developing world do not, however, have adequate screening procedures, and only about 40% of donated blood is tested for the virus. Occupational, vertical, and sexual transmission account for only a minority of new cases of hepatitis C virus infection. Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus among monogamous partners is rare, but testing is often carried out for reassurance (box 2). See bmj.com for contact …
A Rod in the Spine

RESENTATION 56-year-old man with a 2-week history of fatigue was ound to have pancytopenia. Acute precursor B cell lymhoblastic leukemia with hyperdiploidy was diagnosed after bone marrow biopsy. Complete remission was achieved ith chemotherapy. However, despite recovery from neuropenia, the induction phase was complicated by persistent seudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia. Subsequently, comuted tomography of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis reealed a 7.1 cm x 6.3 cm presacral abscess (Figure 1). This xtended retroperitoneally, causing bilateral hydronephrosis Figure 2).
Expression of the protease gene of equine infectious anemia virus in Escherichia coli: Formation of the mature processed enzyme and specific cleavage of the gag precursor

A 620-bp Bg/II restriction fragment containing the putative protease coding sequence from equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) proviral DNA was cloned and expressed in E. coli as a Pol precursor protein. In contrast to the 25-kDa fusion protein predicted from the expressed pol sequence, a protein of approximately 10 kDa was generated by apparent autocatalytic processing of the Pol precursor. This mature processed protein was detected in transformed cells using an antisera raised against synthetic peptide from the conserved carboxyl-terminal segment of the predicted EIAV protease coding sequence. Coexpression of this protein with a 35-kDa EIAV Gag-precursor fusion protein resulted in the specific proteolytic processing of the precursor as shown by formation of p26, the major capsid protein of EIAV.
Orexin B/hypocretin 2 increases glutamatergic transmission to ventral tegmental area neurons

The orexins (hypocretins) play a crucial role in arousal, feeding and reward. Highly relevant to these functions, orexin-containing neurons from the lateral hypothalamus project densely to the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which is the origin of dopamine projections implicated in motivation and reward. Orexin A/hypocretin 1 (oxA/hcrt-1) can enable long-term changes associated with drugs of abuse; however, the effects of orexin B/hypocretin 2 (oxB/hcrt-2) on excitatory synaptic transmission in the VTA are unknown. We used whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology in rat horizontal midbrain slices to examine the effects of oxB/hcrt-2 on excitatory synaptic transmission. We observed that oxB/hcrt-2 has distinct effects from oxA/hcrt-1 in the VTA. oxB/Hcrt-2 (100 nM) increased presynaptic glutamate release in addition to a postsynaptic potentiation of NMDA receptors (NMDARs). The oxB/hcrt-2-mediated postsynaptic potentiation of NMDARs was mediated via activation of orexin/hypocretin 2 (OX2/Hcrt-2) receptors and protein kinase C (PKC). Furthermore, the increase in transmitter release probability was also PKC-dependent, but not through activation of orexin/hypocretin 1 (OX1/Hcrt-1) or OX2/Hcrt-2 receptors. Finally, oxB/hcrt-2 or the selective OX2/Hcrt-2 receptor agonist ala(11)-D-leu(15)-orexin B, significantly reduced spike-timing-induced long-term potentiation. Taken together, these results support a dual role for oxB/hcrt-2 in mediating enhanced glutamatergic transmission in the VTA, and suggest that oxA/hcrt-1 and oxB/hcrt-2 exert different functional roles in modulating the enhancement of the motivational components of arousal and feeding.
Generation 1.5 Writing Compared to L1 and L2 Writing in First-Year Composition

Recently, scholars have suggested that “second-language writers” are made up of two distinct groups: Generation 1.5 (long-term U.S.-resident language learners) and more traditional L2 students (e.g...
Design of an optical weed sensor using plant spectral characteristics

A spectral-based weed sensor was designed and tested in laboratory and in field. The effective sensing area of the sensor was determined by measuring sensor responses when weeds were placed at different grid points in front of the sensor. When multiple weeds shared the effective sensing area with soil, the weed classification rate was above 70%. The classification rate was below 50% for single weeds. Under field conditions, the weed classification rate reach 87%. Variations in sunlight did not affect the performance of the sensor significantly. The effect of shadows on the performance was significant.
7-OH-DPAT and PD 128907 selectively activate the D3 dopamine receptor in a novel environment.

The D3 dopamine receptor is expressed primarily in limbic brain areas, and appears to play an inhibitory role in rodent locomotor behavior. Evidence suggests a potential role for the D3 receptor in the pathology of neuropsychiatric disease. Progress in elucidating D3 receptor function has been hampered, however, by a lack of well-characterized, selective ligands and by conflicting information regarding the behavioral phenotype of D3 receptor knockout mice. Here, we describe studies evaluating the behavioral effects of (±)-7-hydroxy-N,N-di-n-propyl-2-aminotetralin (7-OH-DPAT) and PD 128907, two D3 receptor agonists whose in vivo selectivity has been a topic of considerable controversy. We demonstrate that both compounds inhibit locomotion under novel environmental conditions in wild-type (WT) mice, but are without measurable behavioral effect under identical conditions in D3 receptor knockout mice. Additionally, we demonstrate that at low, D3 selective doses, these compounds are without behavioral effect in both WT and D3 receptor knockout mice that have acclimated to the testing environment. These findings suggest that D3 receptor stimulation inhibits novelty-stimulated locomotion, and establish conditions for the use of 7-OH-DPAT and PD 128907 as D3 receptor agonists in vivo. Potential implications of these observations are discussed.
Small ischemic lesions following intracerebral hemorrhage: Silent but deadly

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has revolutionized stroke diagnosis with its ability to detect small areas of brain ischemia within 30 minutes of onset.1 Its application in ischemic stroke and TIA has provided insights into etiology and prognosis.2 Following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the occurrence of ischemia has been sought for decades, focused primarily in the peri-hematomal region. Now, using DWI, we have emerging evidence that ischemia occurs in this setting and, furthermore, appears to be associated with outcome. The pathophysiology of restricted diffusion in …
Feasibility of Plasma Spraying in Developing MMC Coatings: Modeling the Heating of Coated Powder Particles

Coated powder particles composed of a ceramic core and a metallic coating are being considered for plasma spray applications. The goal of using these powders is to produce particulate-reinforced metal-matrix composite coatings. In this work, the feasibility of plasma spray processing in producing these composite coatings is evaluated. A numerical model is presented to analyze the in-flight thermal behavior and physical state of moderate-size particles (10‐30 mm radius) in arc-jet DC plasma under low loading conditions. The pairs of materials for the base and coating that are considered in this work are WC-Co, SiC-Ni, and SiC-Al. The plasma was taken to be atmospheric argon plasma. The study suggests that plasma processing is capable of melting the coating without excessive evaporation while retaining the base in the solid state over a range of particle sizes and base/coating proportions. Hence plasma processing appears suitable to develop particulate-reinforced metal-matrix composite coatings. @DOI: 10.1115/1.1403742#
Effect of Catalyst Structure on Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane and Propane on Alumina-Supported Vanadia

The catalytic properties of Al2O3-supported vanadia with a wide range of VOx surface density (1.4–34.2 V/nm2) and structure were examined for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane and propane. UV–visible and Raman spectra showed that vanadia is dispersed predominately as isolated monovanadate species below ∼2.3 V/nm2. As surface densities increase, two-dimensional polyvanadates appear (2.3–7.0 V/nm2), along with increasing amounts of V2O5 crystallites at surface densities above 7.0 V/nm2. The rate constant for oxidative dehydrogenation (k1) and its ratio with alkane and alkene combustion (k2/k1 and k3/k1, respectively) were compared for both alkane reactants as a function of vanadia surface density. Propene formation rates (per V atom) are approximately eight times higher than ethene formation rates at a given reaction temperature, but the apparent ODH activation energies (E1) are similar for the two reactants and relatively insensitive to vanadia surface density. Ethene and propene formation rates (per V atom) are strongly influenced by vanadia surface density and reach a maximum value at intermediate surface densities (∼8 V/nm2). The ratio of k2/k1 depends weakly on reaction temperature, indicating that activation energies for alkane combustion and ODH reactions are similar. The ratio of k2/k1 is independent of surface density for ethane but increases slightly with vanadia surface density for propane, suggesting that isolated structures prevalent at low surface densities are slightly more selective for alkane dehydrogenation reactions. The ratio of k3/k1 decreases markedly with increasing reaction temperature for both ethane and propane ODH. Thus, the apparent activation energy for alkene combustion (E3) is much lower than that for alkane dehydrogenation (E1) and the difference between these two activation energies decreases with increasing surface density. The lower alkene selectivities observed at high vanadia surface densities are attributed to an increase in alkene adsorption enthalpies with increasing vanadia surface density. The highest yield of alkene is obtained for catalysts containing predominantly isolated monovanadate species and operated at high temperatures that avoid homogeneous reactions (<∼800 K).
Implications of climate change for North American wood warblers (Parulidae)

Since 1912, Neotropical–Nearctic migrant birds may now have up to 20 fewer days to travel between Southern Illinois, where spring is arriving later, and Northern Minnesota, where spring is arriving earlier, to exploit optimal habitat conditions (expanding leaves and caterpillar activity) for refueling and breeding. As case studies of the effect of climate change on bird migration, I analyzed two long-term data sets of arrival times for eight species of northern breeding migratory wood warblers (Parulidae) gathered over a 100 year period in east-central Illinois (IL, USA) and a 40 year period in western Minnesota (MN, USA). Six (IL) and seven (MN) of the wood warbler species showed no significant tendency to migrate earlier in response to earlier springs in their breeding range. These results suggest that climate change may force many species of long-distance migratory songbirds to become uncoupled in the spring from their food resources that are driven by temperature.
Glucosamine for pain in osteoarthritis: why do trial results differ?

Objective Investigators in trials of glucosamine report a range of estimates for efficacy, making conclusions difficult. We undertook this study to identify factors that explain heterogeneity in trials of glucosamine. Methods We searched for reports of trial results in Ovid Medline, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and proceedings of scientific conferences. We selected reports of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of glucosamine for pain from osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. We extracted data regarding features of design, subjects, and markers of industry involvement, including industry funding, whether a drug was supplied by industry, industry participation, and industry-affiliated authorship. We examined which factors best accounted for differences in the effect sizes of studies grouped by these characteristics, and we examined changes in I2, a measure of heterogeneity. Results Fifteen trials met our inclusion criteria. The summary effect size was 0.35 (95% confidence interval 0.14, 0.56). I2 was 0.80. Except for allocation concealment, no feature of study design explained this substantial heterogeneity. Summary effect sizes ranged from 0.05 to 0.16 in trials without industry involvement, but the range was 0.47–0.55 in trials with industry involvement. The effect size was 0.06 for trials using glucosamine hydrochloride and 0.44 for trials using glucosamine sulfate. Trials using Rottapharm products had an effect size of 0.55, compared with 0.11 for the rest. Conclusion Heterogeneity among trials of glucosamine is larger than would be expected by chance. Glucosamine hydrochloride is not effective. Among trials with industry involvement, effect sizes were consistently higher. Potential explanations include different glucosamine preparations, inadequate allocation concealment, and industry bias.
User perceptions of DSS restrictiveness: an experiment

An experiment is presented that explores if and how different users of the same decision-support system (DSS) differ in their perceptions of system restrictiveness. Subjects used three DSSs and ranked them from most to least restrictive. The results indicated that while there was a significant similarity among rankings, there were also substantial differences. Several factors contributing to the perceptual differences were identified; these can serve as the basis for further research. >
Human Cytomegalovirus UL84 Interacts with an RNA Stem-Loop Sequence Found within the RNA/DNA Hybrid Region of oriLyt

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) lytic DNA replication is initiated at the complex cis-acting oriLyt region, which spans nearly 3 kb. DNA synthesis requires six core proteins together with UL84 and IE2. Previously, two essential regions were identified within oriLyt. Essential region I (nucleotides [nt] 92209 to 92573) can be replaced with the constitutively active simian virus 40 promoter, which in turn eliminates the requirement for IE2 in the origin-dependent transient-replication assay. Essential region II (nt 92979 to 93513) contains two elements of interest: an RNA/DNA hybrid domain and an inverted repeat sequence capable of forming a stem-loop structure. Our studies now reveal for the first time that UL84 interacts with a stem-loop RNA oligonucleotide in vitro, and although UL84 interacted with other nucleic acid substrates, a specific interaction occurred only with the RNA stem-loop. Increasing concentrations of purified UL84 produced a remarkable downward-staircase pattern, which is not due to a nuclease activity but is dependent upon the presence of secondary structures, suggesting that UL84 modifies the conformation of the RNA substrate. Cross-linking experiments show that UL84 possibly changes the conformation of the RNA substrate. The addition of purified IE2 to the in vitro binding reaction did not affect binding to the stem-loop structure. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays performed using infected cells and purified virus show that UL84 is bound to oriLyt in a region adjacent to the RNA/DNA hybrid and the stem-loop structure. These results solidify UL84 as the potential initiator of HCMV DNA replication through a unique interaction with a conserved RNA stem-loop structure within oriLyt.
A numerical algorithm for solving robot inverse kinematics

An extension of the inverse kinematics algorithm by Gupta and Kazerounian is presented. The robot kinematics is formulated by using the Zero Reference Position Method. Euler parameters and the related vector forms of the spatial rotation concatenation have been used to improve the efficiency of the velocity Jacobian computation. The joint rates are formally integrated by using a modified predictor-corrector method particularized to robot inverse kinematics – it is a strict descending, p(1)c(0 – n), variable step algorithm. The definitions of the rotational error and overall error measure have been revised. Depending upon the convergence criteria used, these modifications reduce the overall computational time by 20%.
Depth-Averaged Velocity Distribution in Straight Trapezoidal Channels

In trapezoidal channels that are not “wide,” the banks exert form drag on the fluid and thereby control the depth-averaged velocity distribution. As such, commonly used equations for predicting depth-averaged velocities in wide channels are not well suited for predicting depth-averaged velocities in trapezoidal channels. Using data from three previous studies, we developed two models for predicting depth-averaged velocity distributions in straight trapezoidal channels. The data used to develop the models had a range of discharges (8.05–4,248 L∕s) , velocities (0.16–1.03 m∕s) , bottom widths (0.305–3.62 m) , flow depths (0.0518–0.805 m) , and bank slopes (1.0–3.0, horizontal/vertical). The first model requires measured velocity data for calibrating the model coefficients, whereas the second model uses prescribed coefficients. The first model yielded velocity distributions with coefficients of determination ( r2 ) from 0.84 to 0.90 and we recommend its use when possible because it yields predictions that ar...
The Role of Exercises in Training the Nation's Cyber First-Responders

Terrorism has become a topic of much concern in this country since the events of September 11, 2001. As a result, an increased emphasis has been placed on training the nation’s first-responders who will be called upon in the event of an attack to effectively respond to whatever the incident entails. Of growing interest is the possible use of cyber attacks as either the primary or a contributing mode of attack. As such, the need for a trained corps of cyber first-responders is increasing. Who are the nation’s cyber first-responders and how best can they be trained to detect and respond to cyber attacks? One method that has seen some success is the use of scenario-based exercises to provide awareness and training to community cyber firstresponders. A three-phased approach for such an exercise is proposed and initial results discussed.
Filling in, filling out, or filtering out: processes stabilizing color appearance near the center of gaze

Spectral sensitivity varies markedly across the center of gaze, in part because of the rapid decline in the density of macular pigment outside the fovea. Yet despite these retinal inhomogeneities, the color appearance of large uniform fields remains very uniform. We explored some of the processes contributing to these stable color percepts by measuring the effects of field size and eccentricity on saturated purples, whose spectra should show the largest biases with macular pigment screening. Small purple fields at 0° and 8° eccentricities differ in appearance but by much less than predicted by the macular screening or by compensation for the average effects of this screening at the two loci. This shows that the compensation is already nearly complete because of local adjustments that filter out the sensitivity variation and confirms that this filtering includes adjustments beyond average gain changes in the cones. In large fields, the appearance is dominated by the local peripheral color. This bias persists when the field edge is fixated or when abrupt edges are removed in Gaussian spots, suggesting that the spreading is not strongly dependent on luminance edges.
Collaborative sensor networks with Bayesian Multitarget Tracking and Sensor Localization

We propose a method to track an unknown and variable number of targets without assuming the knowledge of the locations of the sensor nodes in the network. Then, the multitarget tracking and the localization of sensor nodes is performed jointly. As low-power consumption is a requirement in sensor networks, a collaborative estimation scheme is presented, where only a small set of sensors are active while the others remain in an idle state. The proposed technique is based on a Rao-Blackwellized sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) method that takes advantage of the fact that the state space of the unknown variables is separable. The problem is then divided in two parts. The first one generates samples to estimate the number of targets and solves the association uncertainty between measurements and targets; while the second one is a multiple target tracking problem that can be solved with a unscented Kalman filter for each sample. It is shown through simulations that it is possible to track the multiple targets and also get accurate estimates of the unknown locations of the sensor nodes.
Numerical optimization of integrating cavities for diffraction-limited millimeter-wave bolometer arrays

Far-infrared to millimeter-wave bolometers designed to make astronomical observations are typically encased in integrating cavities at the termination of feedhorns or Winston cones. This photometer combination maximizes absorption of radiation, enables the absorber area to be minimized, and controls the directivity of absorption, thereby reducing susceptibility to stray light. In the next decade, arrays of hundreds of silicon nitride micromesh bolometers with planar architectures will be used in ground-based, suborbital, and orbital platforms for astronomy. The optimization of integrating cavity designs is required for achieving the highest possible sensitivity for these arrays. We report numerical simulations of the electromagnetic fields in integrating cavities with an infinite plane-parallel geometry formed by a solid reflecting backshort and the back surface of a feedhorn array block. Performance of this architecture for the bolometer array camera (Bolocam) for cosmology at a frequency of 214 GHz is investigated. We explore the sensitivity of absorption efficiency to absorber impedance and backshort location and the magnitude of leakage from cavities. The simulations are compared with experimental data from a room-temperature scale model and with the performance of Bolocam at a temperature of 300 mK. The main results of the simulations for Bolocam-type cavities are that (1) monochromatic absorptions as high as 95% are achievable with <1% cross talk between neighboring cavities, (2) the optimum absorber impedances are 400 Ω/sq, but with a broad maximum from ~150 to ~700 Ω/sq, and (3) maximum absorption is achieved with absorber diameters ≥1.5λ. Good general agreement between the simulations and the experiments was found.
Methanol concentration estimation in a direct methanol fuel cell system

An inferential sensor based on state estimation techniques is proposed for measuring the methanol concentration in an open-cathode direct methanol fuel cell. The strategies considered include full-state and reduced-state Luenberger observers along with a proportional-integral observer. The estimators are designed using linear dynamics derived from a comprehensive nonlinear dynamic model of an experimental open-cathode direct methanol fuel cell. A representative simulation study is used to assess the performance of the estimation schemes deployed on both the linear and nonlinear dynamic models of the system. All three estimation methods are initially tuned to deliver adequate performance on the linear model. The simulation results show that the proportional-integral state observer outperforms the other designs when the dynamics are driven away from the linear regime. It is argued that the additional robustness of the proposed proportional-integral observer design holds significant promise for use as the basis for developing an effective inferential methanol composition sensor.
Quantum LDPC Codes from Balanced Incomplete Block Designs

We present a series of structured LDPC codes suitable for use in quantum error correction. Those codes belong to the class of dual-containing Calderbank-Shor-Steane (CSS) codes. The component CSS code is designed using the combinatorial object known as balanced incomplete block design (BIBD) with an even index. The quantum LDPC codes have the rate around 0.9. Several examples of quantum LDPC codes from BIBDs from unity index, extended by addition of an all- ones column, are introduced as well. To improve the BER performance, we employed the method of removing the cycles
Evaluating ADAPT: a hybrid instructional model combining web-based and classroom components

The purpose of this evaluative study was to determine the effectiveness of a hybrid instructional model, called ADAPT (Active Discovery And Participation through Technology) that combines the important features of traditional classroom instruction (classroom, instructor, textbook) with those of computer-mediated instruction (learning by performing rather than listening, frequent assessment and feedback). In combination, the model is distinguished from either distance or traditional instruction, and can be employed in campus computer labs. Both the ADAPT model and the traditional approach were used to teach a 10-week study skills course, the objective of which was to improve students' academic performance, as measured by grade point averages. Results of using the two approaches and comparing them with one another and to a matched control group experiencing neither yielded an overall significant difference as well as significant differences between each condition. Students taught using ADAPT achieved the highest GPAs, relative to past performance, while those not taught achieved the lowest, with conventionally taught students in between. The hybridity of the ADAPT model seemed to provide students both structure and opportunity for involvement in the learning process.
The digital library integrated task environment (DLITE)

We describe a case study in the design of a user interface to a digital library. Our design stems from a vision of a library as a channel to the vast array of digital information and doc ument services that are becoming available. Based on pub lished studies of library use and on scenarios, we developed a metaphor called workcenters, which are customized for users' tasks. Due to our scenarios and to prior work in the CHI community, we chose a direct-manipulation realization of the metaphor. Our system, called DLITE, is designed to make it easy for users to interact with many different ser vices while focusing on a task. Users have reacted favorably to the interface design in pilot testing, but a problem sur faced: we need a mechanism to teach new users about the metaphor and interface. We conclude by describing our approaches to this problem.
From photonic crystals to metamaterials: physical insights and engineering aspects

This paper presents conceptual studies of photonic band-gap (PBG) crystals and metamaterials. It is highlighted that the band-gap phenomenon of PBG structures is coming from the periodicity of structure, while a metamaterial can be effectively accomplished using the electric and magnetic dipole moments, where the periodicity may not be a big factor. An advanced FDTD analysis is applied to comprehensively obtain a physical insight of metamaterials. The results are integrated into the design of a novel high-performance all-dielectric metamaterial. An all-dielectric metamaterial is free of conduction loss and can provide a relatively wideband material performance by increasing the couplings between the inclusions. Engineering challenges and practical issues are addressed.
The Demand for Money in an Open Economy: Some Evidence for Canada

Abstract This paper presents estimates of an open-economy money demand function. A cash-in-advance model is constructed to motivate the specification of the demand for money in an open economy. Special attention is paid to unit root nonstationarity in the time series data. Econometric techniques designed to accommodate integrated and cointegrated variables are used to analyze the data. Canadian quarterly data for the period 1973:2–1990:1 are used. The results suggest that changes in the foreign interest rates and exchange rates affect the demand for Canadian real Divisia money.
Receptor kinase signaling in plant development.

▪ Abstract The Arabidopsis genome sequence has revealed that plants contain a much larger complement of receptor kinase genes than other organisms. Early analysis of these genes revealed involvement in a diverse array of developmental and defense functions that included gametophyte development, pollen-pistil interactions, shoot apical meristem equilibrium, hormone perception, and cell morphogenesis. Amino acid sequence motifs and binding studies indicate that the ectodomains are capable of binding, either directly or indirectly, various classes of molecules including proteins, carbohydrates, and steroids. Genetic and biochemical approaches have begun to identify other components of several signal transduction pathways. Some receptor-like kinases (RLKs) appear to function with coreceptors lacking kinase domains, and genome analysis suggests this might be true for many RLKs. The KAPP protein phosphatase functions as a negative regulator of at least two RLK systems, and in vitro studies suggest it could be a...
Vitamin B-6 metabolism as affected by exercise in trained and untrained women fed diets differing in carbohydrate and vitamin B-6 content.

To assess the effect of exercise on vitamin B-6 metabolism in women, five young-trained, five young-untrained, and five pastmenopausal-untrained women were alternately fed four diets and then exercised (80% VO2 max; 20 mm) after each diet. The following diets were fed: 2 wk moderate carbohydrate (CHO) (49%) (2.3 mg B-6); 1 wk high CHO (64%) (2.4 mg B-6); 2 wk moderate CHO + B-6 (10.3 mg B-6); 1 wk high CHO + B-6 (10.4 mg B-6). Blood was drawn pre- and postexercise and post-30 mm and past-60 mm ofexercise and analyzed for plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) and total B-6. Twenty-four-hour urines were analyzed for 4-pyridoxic acid and urinary B-6. PLP and total B-6 increased significantly with exercise and decreased significantly from post- to post-60 mm for all diets. Four-pyridoxic acid increased significantly from the preexercise day to the day of exercise for all diets. Although there was a significant change in B-6 metabolism with exercise, neither training, increased CHO, nor age had an effect on this change. Am J C/in Nutr 1987;46:995-1004.
A micro-economic analysis of dairy farming in the Netherlands

A unified framework for analyzing the short-term production relationships between outputs and inputs on Dutch dairy farms before and after the introduction of the milk quota system is presented. It is derived from duality theory and estimated using an incomplete panel of Dutch dairy farms. The theoretical framework fits the data well. The supply of unrestricted outputs and the demand for variable inputs are much more responsive to milk quota changes than to price changes. The average estimated shadow price of milk quota in 1984/85-1988/89 was 0.36 guilder per kilogram in 1980/81 prices. The scarcity of milk quota and resources is further investigated for different types of dairy farms. It appears that high shadow prices of quasi-fixed inputs go together with low shadow prices of milk quota. Copyright 1993 by Oxford University Press.
Sunflower Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): Pattern of Larval Distribution and Parasitism in Cultivated Sunflower Fields

The sunflower beetle, Zygogramma exclamationis (Fabricius), is a major pest of commercial sunflower, Helianthus annuus L. (Asteraceae), in the Plains area of central North America. Although an economic injury level for the sunflower beetle has been determined, in-field distributions of the larvae and their natural enemies have not been described. Over a three year period, fields were sampled for sunflower beetle larvae and for larvae of the endoparasitoid, Myiopharus macellus (Reinhard). Sunflower beetle larvae were generally found to have aggregated distributions. Knowledge of the distribution pattern will allow the development of more efficient sunflower beetle sampling protocols. Parasitism rates of M. macellus throughout fields were equivalent, indicating effective host searching. Although the data supports aggregated distributions for M. macellus, it is less clear than that for the sunflower beetle.
A framework for teaching and executing verb phrases

This paper describes a framework for an agent to learn verb-phrase meanings from human teachers and combine these models with environmental dynamics so the agent can enact verb commands from the human teacher. This style of human/agent interaction allows the human teacher to issue natural-language commands and demonstrate ground actions, thereby alleviating the need for advanced teaching interfaces or difficult goal encodings. The framework extends prior work in apprenticeship learning and builds off of recent advancements in learning to recognize activities and modeling domains with multiple objects. In our studies, we show how to both learn a verb model and turn it into reward and heuristic functions that can then be composed with a dynamics model. The resulting "combined model" can then be efficiently searched by a sample-based planner which determines a policy for enacting a verb command in a given environment. Our experiments with a simulated robot domain show this framework can be used to quickly teach verb commands that the agent can then enact in new environments.
Differential Information Environments: Effects on Cost of Capital and Reflection in Share Prices of Recognized and Disclosed Accounting Amounts

We test and find strong evidence in support of two hypotheses related to firms' information environments. 1) Firms with stronger information environments have larger market-to-book ratios than firms with weaker information environments consistent with lower cost of capital after controlling for factors identified in prior research as affecting these ratios. 2) Information environments affect the relation between share prices and accounting amounts more for disclosed than recognized amounts. We use net pension assets disclosed under SFAS 87 and book value of equity to test hypothesis 2. We use size number of shareholders number of analysts dispersion of analysts' earnings forecasts exchange listing number of months listed as a publicly-traded firm and trading volume as information environment proxies and find they reflect three principal aspects of information environments: investor recognition and information availability liquidity and disparity of beliefs.
DATA, METHODS, AND TECHNOLOGY: DATA RESOURCES FOR REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS GEOGRAPHY MARKET ANALYSIS: A COMPREHENSIVE STRUCTURED ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY, VERSION 2.0

This is an annotated bibliography of data relevant to real estate analysis. Without supporting data, our research, business advice, and policy recommendations are limited to being conjectural. Consider this "rule of 80s" and how it applies to real estate analysis: Eighty percent of what we do is data, and 80% of data is geospatial. To go beyond conjectural, we need data. Preferably reliable data, at the right geographic resolution, and data that is cost effective.