cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comment on 'Correction of errors in aerial far-field radiation-pattern determinations'

In the communication being commented on, a method is ‘proposed’ for correcting for the effects of the measuring antenna in the determination of far-field aerial patterns from near-field measurements. This method was previously proposed in a talk in 1963 and has been substantially implemented in theoretical, experimental, and computational work. References are given.
The effects of 5-bromodeoxyuridine on yolk sac erythropoiesis in the chick embryo.

The effects of the thymidine analog, 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR), on the formation of red cells in the yolk sac of the chick embryo were examined. The prospective area opaca vasculosa from a definitive primitive streak embryo was excised, disaggregated, and deposited into a cell clump, and the cell clump was placed in organ culture. Hemoglobin synthesis is detectable after about 16 hr in culture. The formation of erythropoietic foci and incorporation of 55Fe into heme were used to measure the extent of erythropoiesis. Exposure to 40 µg/ml of BUdR within 6 hr after explantation almost completely eliminated red cell formation; subsequent transfer to thymidine medium showed that the inhibition was reversible, and there was no histological evidence of analog toxicity. Between 6 and 12 hr after initiation of organ culture, the tissue became completely refractory to BUdR. DNA synthesis, as monitored by thymidine-3H and BUdR-3H pulses, was extensive both during and after the period of BUdR sensitivity. Hence, during both BUdR sensitive and insensitive periods the analog was incorporated into DNA of cells which had not yet synthesized hemoglobin. It is proposed that between 6 and 12 hr a crucial regulatory event for terminal differentiation is perturbed by the presence of BUdR in the chromosomes.
Results of applying probabilistic IR to OCR text

Character accuracy of optically recognized text is considered a basic measure for evaluating OCR devices. In the broader sense, another fundamental measure of an OCR’s goodness is whether its generated text is usable for retrieving information. In this study, we evaluate retrieval effectiveness from OCR text databases using a probabilistic IR system. We compare these retrieval results to their manually corrected equivalent. We show there is no statistical difference in precision and recall using graded accuracy levels from three OCR devices. However, characteristics of the OCR data have side effects that could cause unstable results with this IR model. In particular, we found individual queries can be greatly affected. Knowing the qualities of OCR text, we compensate for them by applying an automatic post-processing system that improves effectiveness.
Anti-matter Content of the Tunguska Meteor

COWAN et al.1 have advanced the hypothesis that the 1908 Tunguska meteor explosion resulted from the anti-matter content of the meteorite. Although their analysis indicates a probable upper limit of 1/7 for the anti-matter content of the Tunguska meteor, this result depends to a large extent on the validity of certain assumptions used in the calculations.
Atomic Force Microscopy Study of Stabilized Quasi-Amorphous Carbon in the Range of Thickness from 5 nm To 300 μm

A new hard sp2-sp3 carbon stabilized by non-stoichiometric silica SiOx has been fabricated which combines a graphite-like layered structure with diamond-like mechanical properties, thermal stability and a very low density (≈ 1.6 g/cm3). This substance, which we refer to a quasi-amorphous material (QUASAM), has considerable potential applications as either thin films or bulk material since it can be grown as thick as 300 μm. Not only is the fine surface structure of crucial importance for thin films, but also the steadiness of a smooth growth front is a key factor for bulk material synthesis. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM) we have undertaken study of the surfaces/interfaces of such material over a wide range of thicknesses (5 nm < t f < 300 μm), including two free standing films.
An integrated on-farm production system: Agricultural briquettes for residential heating in Nova Scotia, Canada

Abstract Agricultural biomass is emerging as a sustainable and suitable resource for use in the production of solid fuel, designed for residential markets. The development of such a fuel source faces several challenges including combustion properties, a reliable supply of raw materials, distance from and access to conversion facilities, production scale and market access for agricultural biomass products. This paper evaluated the economic feasibility of an “integrated on-farm production system” based in Nova Scotia, Canada and considered the importance and influence of policy on the development of a sustainable on-farm production system. This integrated approach is evaluated with input and output based incentive models, both of which are currently available in the USA and Prince Edward Island, Canada. The results indicate that the development of an integrated on-farm approach, while showing promise, will require policy implementation and pragmatic incentives to be truly sustainable. It is proposed that the benefits to the agricultural sector, rural communities and the environment should outweigh the costs of such incentives.
Sinus pericranii: Dermatologic considerations and literature review

Sinus pericranii is a rare disorder characterized by a congenital or acquired epicranial blood-filled nodule of the scalp that is in communication with an intracranial dural sinus through dilated diploic veins of the skull. We describe two patients with sinus pericranii: a 3-year-old boy with a congenital lesion and a 3-year-old girl whose lesion appeared after head trauma. We discuss the clinical presentation, dermatologic manifestations, differential diagnosis, and management as described in the available published literature. Patients with sinus pericranii may be brought to the attention of dermatologists and dermatopathologists because of skin changes in the scalp or forehead. The diagnosis is difficult to make clinically, because the skin manifestations are highly variable and may resemble other disorders of the scalp and cranium. The potentially lethal complications including hemorrhage, infection, and air embolism warrant a high index of suspicion for sinus pericranii.
Factors affecting variability in strategic highway research program binder tests

Two binder technician workshops were held in January 1998, one at the Connecticut Advanced Pavement Laboratory at the University of Connecticut and one at the Northeast Center of Excellence for Paving Technology at Pennsylvania State University. These workshops were followed by a second set in 1999. The overall objective was to improve the repeatability of the test methods used to grade Superpave® asphalt binders. During the workshops, participants demonstrated and discussed the techniques used in their own laboratories. A document, Manual of Practice for Testing Asphalt Binders in Accordance with the Superpave PG Grading System, was developed for use by asphalt binder technicians and as a training aid for a proposed binder technician certification program. The results of the discussions that were held during the workshops and the items that are presented in the manual of practice are summarized. The results were grouped into four main categories: (a) handling, sampling, and sample preparation; (b) temper...
CASE STUDY: Application and evaluation of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System as a tool to improve nitrogen utilization in commercial dairy herds

ABSTRACT Nitrogen utilization is becoming a central component in ration balancing as dairy producers try to maximize milk protein yields, decrease feed costs, and conform to current environmental standards. Feeding excess CP can result in unnecessary feeding expenses with no return in milk income in addition to having important negative environmental consequences. Recent changes to the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) have resulted in increased model sensitivity to N intake and requirements allowing rations to be developed with reduced environmental impact. Farm level studies are required to evaluate the applicability of the updated model on commercial farms. In this study, the CNCPS (v6.1) was used to adjust the diets of 2 commercial herds in western New York to improve N utilization and reduce feed costs while maintaining high levels of milk production (part 1). In addition, 13 herds that were producing high levels of milk (39.3 ± 5.1 kg/d per cow; mean ± SD) on low CP diets (14.3 to 16.5% DM) were characterized as examples of attainable N utilization targets (part 2). In part 1, CP was reduced by approximately 1% DM, milk urea N was decreased by approximately 2 mg/dL, and income over feed cost was improved on both farms. Part 2 indicated that high milk and milk protein yields can be achieved on diets supplying less than 16% CP and that N use efficiency can be as high as 38%. This study confirms that the updated CNCPS can be successfully used to develop diets that enhance N use efficiency under the constraints of a modern commercial dairy farm.
``Amount effect'' of water isotopes and quantitative analysis of post-condensation processes

A numerical model is proposed that describes the interaction between raindrops and water vapour near the planetary boundary layer to explain the “amount effect”. This model relates the intensity to the isotopic composition of precipitation. The model resolves raindrop sizes, and explicitly includes: (1) the isotopic equilibration time of raindrops that is drop-size dependent; (2) raindrop transit times through the atmosphere; and (3) the evolution of the isotopic composition of vapour at various rain rates. At high rain rate, the precipitation through a layer is less equilibrated with the vapour because the isotopic equilibration time is long compared to the fast transit time, and there is a preponderance of large drops, which take longer to equilibrate. The δ18O of vapour in the lower atmosphere becomes lower as a result of the interaction with these raindrops of low δ18O, and the degree of depletion of 18O is higher when precipitation rates are high. The model reproduces time-series observations of isotopic composition of precipitation in Japan, and a vapour replenishment rate is inferred by either advection or evaporation of about 5% of the precipitation rate. The results could be the basis for a new parameterization of the isotopic equilibration for different precipitation types and rates in General Circulation Models (GCMs). When the model is applied to a GCM, this parameterization is important for places where precipitation occurs at cold temperatures (<15 °C). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
More in vivo experimentation is needed in cardiovascular physiology.

IN THIS PERSPECTIVE, I present the view that cardiovascular physiologists may do well to reinvent some of our old in vivo experiments to gain a deeper and more useful understanding of physiology and disease. Certainly, many physiological and pathophysiological phenomena were discovered through classic in vivo experiments on cardiovascular function (exemplified particularly by the work of A. C. Guyton and his colleagues in the 1970s), but methodological limitations at that time precluded the elucidation of the underlying molecular mechanisms. During the ensuing four decades, new methodologies and the extensive use of isolated tissues, isolated cells, and cell lines led to the discovery of a myriad of molecular mechanisms that undoubtedly contribute to cardiovascular regulation. Nevertheless, such studies do not necessarily inform us about the relative contributions of these mechanisms in vivo. A case in point: in clinical trials (perhaps the ultimate in vivo experiment) the approval success rate for new cardiovascular drugs is only 8.7% (3). One frequent reason for the poor success is unanticipated complexity of the intact organism. Thus a new, more insightful, in vivo experimental approach is needed for cardiovascular physiologists to elucidate normal physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms. Many new approaches are now possible, but one with exceptional potential in my opinion is the visualization and quantification of signal transduction within cells in the living, and even conscious, animal. This could be considered a reinvention of classic intravital imaging, extended to the molecular
Influence of external resistance on electrogenesis, methanogenesis, and anode prokaryotic communities in microbial fuel cells.

The external resistance (Rext) of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) regulates both the anode availability as an electron acceptor and the electron flux through the circuit. We evaluated the effects of Rext on MFCs using acetate or glucose. The average current densities (I) ranged from 40.5 mA/m2 (9,800 Ω) to 284.5 mA/m2 (150 Ω) for acetate-fed MFCs (acetate-fed reactors [ARs]), with a corresponding anode potential (Ean) range of −188 to −4 mV (versus a standard hydrogen electrode [SHE]). For glucose-fed MFCs (glucose-fed reactors [GRs]), I ranged from 40.0 mA/m2 (9,800 Ω) to 273.0 mA/m2 (150 Ω), with a corresponding Ean range of −189 to −7 mV. ARs produced higher Coulombic efficiencies and energy efficiencies than GRs over all tested Rext levels because of electron and potential losses from glucose fermentation. Biogas production accounted for 14 to 18% of electron flux in GRs but only 0 to 6% of that in ARs. GRs produced similar levels of methane, regardless of the Rext. However, total methane production in ARs increased as Rext increased, suggesting that Ean might influence the competition for substrates between exoelectrogens and methanogens in ARs. An increase of Rext to 9,800 Ω significantly changed the anode bacterial communities for both ARs and GRs, while operating at 970 Ω and 150 Ω had little effect. Deltaproteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the major groups found in anode communities in ARs and GRs. Betaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria were found only in ARs. Bacilli were abundant only in GRs. The anode-methanogenic communities were dominated by Methanosaetaceae, with significantly lower numbers of Methanomicrobiales. These results show that Rext affects not only the Ean and current generation but also the anode biofilm community and methanogenesis.
Relative and Combined Effects of Low Temperature, Poor Diet, and Short Daylength on the Productivity of Wild House Mice

House mice are known to breed either seasonally or continuously depending upon their habitat. The present experiments were designed to identify possible bases for such flexibility by examining the direct and interactive effects of dietary variation, low ambient temperature, and short daylength on productivity as defined in terms of number of litters born. Experimental diets were fed ad libitum and consisted of 1) wheat seeds, 2) rye grass seeds, 3) wheat seeds plus mealworms, or 4) rye seeds plus mealworms, with 5) a balanced, commercial diet serving as a control. With the exception of the wheat diet, any departure from the balanced control diet resulted in a loss of productivity at 23#{176}C. Productivity was markedly reduced by all natural diets at low ambient temperature (3#{176}C). Dietary and low temperature exigencies exerted more pronounced effects on females than on males. Variation in daylength (8L:16D vs 16L:8D LU cycles) yielded no significant effects on productivity either directly or in combination with any of the other variables examined. All of these results, when viewed from an ecological perspective, suggest two generalities regarding the relationship between diet and reproduction in natural populations of house mice. First, house mice, being opportunists, probably often invade habitats that offer only a reproductively marginal diet, and hence most populations of this species probably do not breed at maximum efficiency even at intermediate temperatures. Second, when winter cessations of breeding occur in house mice, they probably typically result from the combined effects of a marginal diet and a low am
How can we implement current therapies and interventions to achieve glycemic control

ABSTRACT Objective To discuss the appropriate use of oral therapies to achieve and sustain glycemic targets in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods The stages in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes are reviewed, and the limitations of single-drug therapy are addressed. Results The development of diabetes is a staged progression; affected patients show evolution through numerous stages of glucose intolerance before clinical diabetes manifests. Beta cell function continues to deteriorate until absolute failure occurs; however, other factors, such as glucose and lipid toxicities, insulin resistance in peripheral tissues, and loss of the first-phase insulin response, further impair the body’s ability to regulate release of insulin in response to glucose. Traditional treatment algorithms often fail to address the progressive, multifaceted nature of type 2 diabetes, with its numerous related abnormalities. Combination therapy with orally administered agents can be used to manage glucose concentrations and other risk factors safely and effectively. Conclusion The therapeutic goal in type 2 diabetes is to achieve and maintain a physiologic profile as close to normal as possible. This outcome necessitates treatment of multiple defects with use of various combinations of orally administered agents. Clinicians should focus on effective treatment of these defects to achieve established targets. (Endocr Pract. 2006;12[Suppl 1]:93-97)
Effect of Stage of Maturity at First Cutting on Quality of Forages

Summary A field containing approximately equal proportions of alfalfa, clover, and timothy, and a second field containing orchard grass, were cut for hay on three dates: May 25, June 9, and June 24, 1959. The hays were evaluated by digestion trials with sheep, and all except the latest-cut orchard grass by a lactation trial with Holstein cows. A 15-day delay in cutting date caused a significant reduction in milk production, less body weight gain, lower hay intake, and lower digestibility. When cut on the same date, feeding of the mixed hay resulted in more milk production, greater body weight gains, more intake, and higher digestibility than the orchard grass. When compared at similar stages of maturity, there was no significant differenee in milk production or digestibility. However, even at similar stages of maturity, there was a species difference in intake. About 65% of the variations in calorie intake associated with stage of maturity could be attributed to differences in dry matter intake.
Predicting leucine zipper structures from sequence

The leucine zipper structure is adopted by one family of the coiled coil proteins. Leucine zippers have a characteristic leucine repeat: Leu-X6-Leu-X6-Leu-X6-Liu (where X may be any residue). However, many sequences have the leucine repeat, but do not adopt the leucine zipper structure (we shall refer to these as non-zippers). We have found and analyzed residue pair patterns that allow one to identify correctly 90% of leucine zippers and 97% of non-zippers. Simpler analyses, based on the frequency of occurrence of residues at certain positions, specify, at most, 65% of zippers and 80-90% of non-zippers. Both short and long patterns contribute to the successful discrimination of leucine zippers from non-zippers. A number of these patterns involve hydrophobic residues that would be placed on the solvent-exposed surface of the helix, were the sequence to adopt a leucine zipper structure. Thus, an analysis of protein sequences has allowed us to improve discrimination between leucine zippers and non-zippers, and has provided some further insight into the physical factors influencing the leucine zipper structure.
Non-Contact Cardiopulmonary Sensing with a Baby Monitor

Cardiopulmonary signals can be detected at a distance using simple Doppler radars operating in CW mode. Tests with and without audio modulation show the feasibility of measurements with this hardware, providing a maximum measured difference to the reference of just 1.6 bpm for heart rate. Tests show good correspondence of heart/respiration rate with the reference data.
Age-related hearing loss in C57BL/6J mice has both frequency-specific and non-frequency-specific components that produce a hyperacusis-like exaggeration of the acoustic startle reflex.

Auditory brainstem-evoked response (ABR) thresholds were obtained in a longitudinal study of C57BL/6J mice between 10 and 53 weeks old, with repeated testing every 2 weeks. On alternate weeks, acoustic startle reflex (ASR) amplitudes were measured, elicited by tone pips with stimulus frequencies of 3, 6, 12, and 24 kHz, and intensities from subthreshold up to 110 dB sound pressure level. The increase in ABR thresholds for 3 and 6 kHz test stimuli followed a linear time course with increasing age from 10 to 53 weeks, with a slope of about 0.7 dB/week, and for 48 kHz a second linear time course, but beginning at 10 weeks with a slope of about 2.3 dB/week. ABR thresholds for 12, 24, and 32 kHz increased after one linear segment with a 0.7 dB slope, then after a variable delay related to the test frequency, shifted to a second segment having slopes of 3–5 dB/week. Hearing loss initially reduced the ASR for all eliciting stimuli, but at about 6 months of age, the response elicited by intense 3 and 6 kHz stimuli began to increase to reach values about three times above normal, and previously subthreshold stimuli came to elicit vigorous responses seen at first only for the intense stimuli. This hyperacusis-like effect appeared in all mice but was especially pronounced in mice with more serious hearing loss. These ABR data, together with a review of histopathological data in the C57BL/6 literature, suggest that the non-frequency-specific slow time course of hearing loss results from pathology in the lateral wall of the cochlea, whereas the stimulus-specific hearing loss with a rapid time course results from hair cell loss. Delayed exaggeration of the ASR with hearing loss reveals a deficit in centrifugal inhibitory control over the afferent reflex pathways after central neural reorganization, suggesting that this mouse may provide a useful model of age-related tinnitus and associated hyperacusis.
THE VIRTUAL ISOMORPHISM PROBLEM FOR FINITELY GENERATED GROUPS

The problem of classifying finitely generated groups up to virtual isomorphism is strictly harder than that of classifying them up to isomorphism, in the sense that there is a Borel reduction from the isomorphism problem to the virtual isomorphism problem, but not vice versa. Research partially supported by NSF Grants.
The Californian urban butterfly fauna is dependent on alien plants

Using the unusually well-documented butterfly fauna of Davis, Yolo County, Califor- nia, it is shown that the mainly native species commonly observed in gardens breed mostly or entirely on alien plants, especially naturalized weeds. Over 40% of the fauna has no known native hosts in the urban-suburban environment. Were certain alien weeds to be eradicated or their abundance greatly reduced, the urban-suburban butterfly fauna would disappear. This might be regarded as an unfortunate, and perhaps intoler- able, side-effect of such programs.
Carcinogenic Effects of MGP-7 and B(a)P on the Hamster Cheek Pouch

This study was performed to examine the carcinogenic effects of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and manufactured gas plant (MGP) residues on the hamster cheek pouch (HCP). Syrian hamsters were treated topically with a suspension of 2%, 10%, or 20% B[a]P or 50% or 100% MGP-7 (a mixture of residues from 7 MGP sites) in mineral oil for eight (short-term study) and sixteen, twenty, twenty-eight, and thirty-two weeks (long-term study). The short-term study showed that B[a]P induced p53 protein accumulation, indicative of genotoxic damage, as well as increased cell proliferation, hyperplasia, and inflammation, which is usually associated with promotional activity. In contrast, the MGP-7 presented only marginal p53 accumulation and induction of BrdU incorporation. In the long-term experiments, animals treated with 2% and 10% of B[a]P continued to show p53 protein accumulation as well as hyperplasia and increased cell proliferation and inflammation. By thirty weeks, all the animals treated with B[a]P had a 100% incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Animals treated with 50% and 100% MGP-7 showed only weak hyperplasia and a low proliferation rate and accumulation of p53 protein through thirty-two weeks. Benzo[a]pyrene was highly carcinogenic when used at adequate doses. Manufactured gas plant residue, however, was not carcinogenic in this model.
Prediction for the Cosmological Constant in Resummed Quantum Gravity and Constraints on SUSY GUT's

We use our resummed quantum gravity approach to Einstein's general theory of relativity in the context of the Planck scale cosmology formulation of Bonanno and Reuter to estimate the value of the cosmological constant such that \rho_\Lambda=(0.0024 eV)^4. We argue that the closeness of this estimate to experiment constrains susy GUT models. We discuss in turn various theoretical issues that have been raised about the approach itself as well as about the application to estimate the cosmological constant. Given the closeness of the estimate to the currently observed value, we also discuss the theoretical uncertainty in the estimate -- at this time, we argue it is still large.
The Alignment of CEC/DEC and NAEYC Personnel Preparation Standards

This article describes the process for alignment of the personnel preparation standards developed by the Council for Exceptional Children and Division for Early Childhood with the standards develop...
Rheology of Thermoreversible Hydrogels from Multiblock Associating Copolymers

Multiblock copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide)99-poly(propylene oxide)67-poly(ethylene oxide)99 (F127) were synthesized by chain extending with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). The resulting multiblock copolymer poly-F127 maintained the thermoreversible properties of the original F127 triblock copolymer. The rheological and structural properties of the gels were characterized as a function of temperature, composition and degree of polymerization. Neutron scattering reveals that a large degree of alignment can be induced in the F127 gel, but no long-range order could be found in the multiblocks or the mixtures of F127 with multiblocks. The shear strain at yield in polymers having an average of 3.2 or more F127 repeats was nearly an order of magnitude higher than in the F127 gel. For F127 solutions just below their gel point, substitution of F127 with as little as 1% multiblock succeeded in forming a physical gel. Percolation theory was used to understand the modulus growth when multiblock was added to F127 solutions just below their gel point, assuming the multiblocks form bridges between adjacent micelles.
Vitamin D toxicity due to a commonly available "over the counter" remedy from the Dominican Republic.

We report nine patients presenting to our institution with hypercalcemia due to a supplement containing massive amounts of vitamin D.
THE INFLUENCE OF 11-DEHYDR0-17-HYDR0XYCORTICOSTERONE (COMPOUND E) ON THE GROWTH OF A MALIGNANT TUMOR IN THE MOUSE11

IT HAS BEEN shown that ll-dehydro-17-hydroxycorticosterone (compound E) will bring about loss of weight of young rats and atrophy of the thymus, adrenal glands and lymph nodes of adult rats (Ingle, Higgins and Kendall, 1938; Ingle and Mason, 1938; and Wells and Kendall 1940). The atrophy of the lymph nodes was suggestive that a regressive effect on certain types of tumor might be brought about by compound E. Recently one of us observed a rapidly growing tumor of spontaneous origin in the thoracic cavity of a mouse. A suspension of the tumor cells was injected into normal mice of the same inbred strain and it was found that the tumor could be implanted in practically 100 per cent of mice which received the injection. Within ten to fourteen days after the tumor cells were implanted subcutaneously the tumor was visible and, from that time, growth was very rapid.
Nutritional requirements of infants and children with respect to cholesterol and related compounds

Cholesterol is an enigmatic, essential metabolite. Breast milk contains significant quantities of cholesterol, yet human infants thrive on cholesterol-free diets. Recommendations to lower serum cholesterol are widespread, yet low serum cholesterol is associated with poorly understood morbidity. Serum cholesterol is increased with diets high in fat, yet dietary cholesterol has relatively little effect on serum concentrations. Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, marked with extremely low serum cholesterol, may serve as a human model for the evaluation of absorption and metabolism of dietary cholesterol.
Bird Abundances in Primary and Secondary Growths in Papua New Guinea: A Preliminary Assessment:

Papua New Guinea is the third largest remaining area of tropical forest after the Amazon and Congo basins. However, the growing intensity of large-scale slash-and-burn agriculture and logging call ...
Are home internet users willing to pay ISPs for improvements in cyber security

One strategy for improving cyber security would be for Internet service providers (ISPs) to take a more active role in curtailing criminal behavior over the Internet. However, few ISPs today are offering robust security to their customers, arguing that home Internet users are unwilling to pay for improvements in cyber security. This lack of ISP involvement in improving cyber security has led some industry experts to support government solutions that encourage ISPs to take a more active role in security. Yet no prior studies have attempted to evaluate empirically whether home Internet users are willing to pay the monetary and nonmonetary costs of ISP-based security solutions. This makes it difficult to determine whether government intervention is necessary, what form the intervention should take, and what the welfare impacts of intervention would be. Our research takes the first step in filling this gap in the literature. Specifically, we used choice-based conjoint analysis to examine the preferences of US Internet users. We found that home users are indeed willing to accept price increases, ISP-required security training, and security related interruptions of their Internet service in exchange for reductions in the risk of their computer slowing down or crashing, the risk of their identity being stolen, or the risk that others will be affected by their insecurity. This finding suggests that Internet users would be willing to pay for ISPs to take a more active role in security if the benefits of ISP-based security solutions were clearly communicated to them.
Proposition 13 and State Budget Limitations: Past Successes and Future Options

The author writes that California Proposition 13's focus on property taxes was too narrow to limit overall state and local government spending. California needs a tax and expenditure limit like Colorado's, the author suggests.
Two-dimensional flow effects on soot formation in laminar premixed flames

Experimental measurements on axisymmetric laminar premixed flames have been used extensively for chemical and soot model validation. Numerical simulations of these flames always rely on the assumption of one-dimensionality. However, the presumed one-dimensionality has not been justified in general, and may not be valid under all circumstances. In the current work, two-dimensional flow effects are investigated in four representative ethylene/air laminar premixed flames, which have been selected as validation targets for the International Sooting Flame workshop. These flames cover all typical experimental arrangements, namely stabilizing plate, steel plate with centered hole, and enclosed chamber. To assess the assumption of one-dimensionality, detailed numerical simulations with finite-rate chemistry are performed with the exact experimental set-ups. It is shown that flow entrainment and acceleration are significant for all four flames. Further, it is found that the flame centerlines cannot be approximated as one-dimensional, since the mass flow rates vary substantially along the centerlines. As a consequence, non-negligible differences are found between the soot profiles predicted in two-dimensional simulations and in simulations where one-dimensionality is assumed. Using data extracted from the two-dimensional simulations, a modified one-dimensional model is derived on the flame centerline to include two-dimensional effects. Results from the modified one-dimensional model are compared against detailed, two-dimensional simulation results and experimental measurements.
MEASUREMENT OF BREAKING WAVES USING PARTICLE IMAGE VELOCITY

The water wave breaking problem has been studied for many years. The most popular experimental methods for studying this problem include the flow visualization method and the Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV). However, the first method lacks quantitative description and the second method, in general, needs hundreds of measurements to form a flow field. Instantaneous quantitative flow field information is nearly impossible, if these two methods are used. In recent years, the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) has been proven to be a powerful tool for two-dimensional instantaneous velocity measurement. Tens to hundreds of velocity measurements using the LDV can be done in only one single measurement using the PIV.
THE INFLUENCE OF SEA-LEVEL CHANGE AND GEOLOGIC STRUCTURE ON CAVE DEVELOPMENT IN WEST-CENTRAL FLORIDA

The formation of caves in a portion of Citrus County, Florida is controlled structurally by northwest-southeast-trending joints that formed in the Suwannee Limestone during the uplift of Ocala Arch in the Miocene Epoch. The caves developed in a zone where saline water from the Gulf of Mexico and fresh water from the Ocala Uplift mixed. Further uplift elevated the caves above the mixing zone. Following subsequent lowering of regional baselevel, erosion caused sections of cave passages to collapse and/or be filled with sediment. The caves are fossil segments of a formerly larger, interconnected cave system.
Evaluating flood potential with GRACE in the United States

Abstract. Reager and Famiglietti (2009) proposed an index, Reager's Flood Potential Index (RFPI), for early large-scale flood risk monitoring using the Terrestrial Water Storage Anomaly (TWSA) product derived from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE). We evaluated the efficacy of the RFPI for flood risk assessment over the continental USA using multi-year flood observation data from 2003 to 2012 by the US Geological Survey and Dartmouth Flood Observatory. In general, we found a good agreement between the RFPI flood risks and the observed floods on regional and even local scales. RFPI demonstrated skill in predicting the large-area, long-duration floods, especially during the summer season.
Pilot Study on Hatching Schistosoma Eggs Preserved in Liquid and Low Temperature

Objective To observe the activity of Schistosoma eggs preserved in liquid,so as to provide positive reference sample for Schistosoma japonicum ovum hatching method. Methods The eggs granuloma acquired from rabbit was preserved in 1. 2% sodium chloride solution and put in 4 ℃ refrigerator,the survival time and hatch activity of the eggs were observed. The hatching activities of the eggs which preserved under different temperature were compared. The hatching activity in tap-water from different regions was compared. Results The miracidium could be hatched out from the eggs preserved in liquid phase in refrigerator even after 25 weeks,but the number of miracidium was predominantly decreased and the motility of miracidium was weakened since 9th week. The eggs could be hatched out at 4 ℃ for5d,at 18 ℃ for 4d and at 25 ℃ for 3d,yet could not be hatched out at 30 ℃ for one day. The eggs could be hatched out in water of PH6. 4- 7. 1,chlorinity of dechlorinated water 0. 02- 0. 05ppm and chlorinity of fresh water 0. 05-0. 27ppm from different areas Conclusion The activity of Schistosoma eggs preserved in liquid may last for relatively long time and thus could provide positive reference sample for Schistosoma japonicum ovum hatching method.
Estimation of the Ancient Lake Temperature and Paleo-Climate of the Cretaceous Period in the Songliao Basin

The first location of the lake sediment deposition is at the lake bottom,so the temperature of the lake bottom not only has influence on the preservation of organic matter,but also has influence on the formation temperature under the lake bottom.The ancient water body temperature,especially the temperature of the lake bottom becomes a key aspect in estimating the exploration prospect.According to the comparison between the previous research result of the paleo-climate and the nowadays climate,the average annual temperature during the Cretaceous period of the Songliao Basin is between 14 ℃ and 24 ℃.Using the reservoir temperature calculation method,and the data on the palaeolatitude and the paleo-water depth,the palaeo-temperature of the lake surface of the Songliao Basin is between 17 ℃ and 25 ℃;the temperature of the bottom water is between 6.2 ℃ and 12.5 ℃ in the deep lake;the temperature of the deepest lake bottom is between 4.0 ℃ and 11.3 ℃.During the period of the Qingshankou Group and Nenjiang Group deposition,the temperature of the lake bottom did not change much with the seasons,and the temperature was low(about 8 ℃),and the stratification was clear.Therefore,the lower temperature at the lake bottom is favor of the Cretaceous biogas exploration in the Songliao Basin.
Study of the Coefficient of Resistance and Residual Resistance Factor and Displacing Efficiency of Hydrophobically Associating Polymer

The oil displacing performance of a commercial hydrophobically associating polymer(HAP) at simulating Daqing reservoir conditions is investigated in laboratory through R_F and R_(RF) measurements and core flooding experiments in comparison with a commercial glycerol. HAP solution flow through artificial cores of Kg=0.9～1.3μm~2, RF14 and RRF8 are observed. On artificial cores of Kg=0.9～1.3μm~2, the displacing efficiency of 1760mg/L HAP solution for residual oil after water flooding is 6%～8% higher than that of glycerol solution of equal concentration.
Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and vascular inflammatory disease.

Since the beginning of the HIV epidemic a wide variety of vascular inflammatory diseases have been described in HIV infected patients. In terms of the primary forms of systemic necrotizing vasculitis, there are no convincing data suggesting HIV infection increases the risk of development of any form of these diseases, but it is possible -though yet unproven - that HIV may lessen the chance of developing other forms (i.e. ANCA-associated disease and HBV-associated PAN). Secondary vasculitis resulting from unusual pathologic expressions of opportunistic infections has been reported and has important clinical significance. Finally, there does appear to be growing clinical, epidemiologic and pathologic evidence that several distinctive forms of vascular inflammatory disease occur in certain settings. These include aneurysmal disease of the large arteries of the brain occurring in children and a large vessel aneurysmal disease primarily affecting the aorta and its branches in young HIV-infected patients from sub-Saharan Africa. Further study of these disorders is necessary to identify specific epidemiologic features and pathogenesis.
Microfluidic free‐flow zone electrophoresis and isotachophoresis using carbon black nano‐composite PDMS sidewall membranes

We present a new type of free-flow electrophoresis (FFE) device for performing on-chip microfluidic isotachophoresis and zone electrophoresis. FFE is performed using metal gallium electrodes, which are isolated from a main microfluidic flow channel using thin micron-scale polydimethylsiloxane/carbon black (PDMS/CB) composite membranes integrated directly into the sidewalls of the microfluidic channel. The thin membrane allows for field penetration and effective electrophoresis, but serves to prevent bubble generation at the electrodes from electrolysis. We experimentally demonstrate the ability to use this platform to perform on-chip free-flow electrophoretic separation and isotachophoretic concentration. Due to the small size and simple fabrication procedure, this PDMS/CB platform could be used as a part of an on-chip upstream sample preparation toolkit for portable microfluidic diagnostic applications.
Application-Specific Secure Gathering of Consumer Preferences and Feedback in ICNs

The shift from the host-centric to the information-centric paradigm results in many benefits including native security, enhanced mobility, and scalability. The corresponding information-centric networking (ICN), also presents several important challenges, such as closest replica routing, client privacy, and client preference collection. The majority of these challenges have received the research community’s attention. However, no mechanisms have been proposed for the challenge of effective client preferences collection. In the era of big data analytics and recommender systems customer preferences are essential for providers such as Amazon and Netflix. However, with content served from in-network caches, the ICN paradigm indirectly undermines the gathering of these essential individualized preferences. In this paper, we discuss the requirements for client preference collections and present potential mechanisms that may be used for achieving it successfully.
Detecting Out-of-Bed Activities to Prevent Pneumonia for Hospitalized Patient Using Microsoft Kinect V2

This work describes a method of preventing pneumonia in the hospital room by automatically quantifying how much and how often the patient is active out-of-bed using Microsoft Kinect V2. Hospital Acquired Pneumonia (HAP) is closely associated with patient activities during patient's hospital stay. From a perspective of the healthcare staff, it is very essential to know the quantity of the patient's active time, especially when the patient is alone. The proposed system could recognize the out-of-bed activities using the features extracted from Kinect skeleton model. The observation on the detection results could provide information to healthcare staff to better understand the potential HAP formation and adjust the treatment plan in time.
Rapid Creation of Three-Dimensional, Tactile Models from Crystallographic Data

A method for the conversion of crystallographic information framework (CIF) files to stereo lithographic data files suitable for printing on three-dimensional printers is presented. Crystallographic information framework or CIF files are capable of being manipulated in virtual space by a variety of computer programs, but their visual representations are limited to the two-dimensional surface of the computer screen. Tactile molecular models that demonstrate critical ideas, such as symmetry elements, play a critical role in enabling new students to fully visualize crystallographic concepts. In the past five years, major developments in three-dimensional printing has lowered the cost and complexity of these systems to a level where three-dimensional molecular models may be easily created provided that the data exists in a suitable format. Herein a method is described for the conversion of CIF file data using existing free software that allows for the rapid creation of inexpensive molecular models. This approach has numerous potential applications in basic research, education, visualization, and crystallography.
NIMG-01ADVANCED MR PERFUSION AND DIFFUSION MEASURES DISTINGUISH BETWEEN GLIOMA SUBTYPES.

BACKGROUND: Advanced MR imaging provides invaluable information on brain tumor biology and behavior, making it an important complement to standard histopathology. In light of mounting molecular evidence against the existence of true mixed gliomas, we present the use of relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) to classify gliomas as a function of glioma tumor type and grade. METHODS: Histopathological findings of 145 tissue specimens from 42 consented adult patients were studied. Histopathological diagnosis for each tissue specimen was obtained from the neurosurgical pathology report and according to the WHO brain tumor grading system. Preoperative (≤ 3 months) DSC-MRI and T1 + C images were co-registered to MR Imaging uploaded for surgical navigation. Guided by intraoperative screenshots from a StealthStation® S7™ surgical navigation unit, a 6-mm spherical region of interest (ROI) was drawn manually for each distinct tissue sampling site. Median Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) and standardized leakage-corrected rCBV values (sRCBV) were determined using the same ROIs. Only positive non-zero values were included in the analysis. Statistical sample independence for both sRCBV and ADC was confirmed before conducting statistical analyses. RESULTS: The sRCBV measures for grade 2 gliomas were comparable across type, yet the ADC values demonstrate a significant distinction of astrocytomas from oligodendrogliomas (p < 0.01) and mixed oligoastrocytomas (p < 0.001). Grade 3 astrocytomas also exhibited significantly different sRCBV and ADC values from oligodendrogliomas (p < 0.05) and oligoastrocytomas (p < 0.001). Similarly, the sRCBV and ADC values were significantly different between pure grade 4 astrocytomas (GBM) and GBMs with oligodendroglial component (p < 0.001). No significant differences were noted between oligodendrogliomas and oligoastrocytomas. CONCLUSION: Significant differences in perfusion and diffusion measures highlight the biologically distinct character of astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas. Mixed gliomas share more similarities with oligodendrogliomas than with astrocytomas on advanced MR imaging, supporting the hypothesis that mixed gliomas may not represent a separate glioma subtype.
The copolymerization of carbon monoxide with olefins

The copolymers of carbon monoxide with olefins are of considerable importance from several different standpoints. These include the low price and ready availability of carbon monoxide, the enhanced photo-degradability of the copolymers, and their easy chemical conversion to other classes of functionalized polymers. This review summarizes the chemistry involved in the synthesis, characterization, degradation and the derivatization of the copolymers. In addition, work on the spectral characterization of the copolymers have been cited.