cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A NEW LOOK AT SECRECY CAPACITY OF MIMOME USING ARTIFICIAL NOISE FROM ALICE AND BOB WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE OF EVE’S CSI

This study investigates a secure wireless communication scheme which combines two of the most effective strategies to combat (passive) eavesdropping, namely mixing information with artificial noise at the transmitter and jamming from a full-duplex receiver. All nodes are assumed to possess multiple antennas, which is known as a MIMOME network. The channel state information (CSI) of Eve is known to Eve but not to Alice and Bob. While such setup has been investigated in related works, new and important insights are revealed in this work. We investigate the design of optimal jamming parameters to achieve higher secrecy, and in particular we focus on two important cases corresponding to Bob using either a simple jamming or a smart jamming. Furthermore, simulations are presented to highlight the effectiveness of the proposed strategies.
Use of a curved grating in shadow moiré

The shadow-moire method has been extended to study the large displacements of a uniformly loaded hyperbolic-paraboloid shell. The new technique employs a curved grating which is everywhere equidistant from the initial position of the surface, as in the application of a plane grating in the study of plates. The theory of the curved grating is developed. Experimental verification is reported and a significant increase in accuracy over the equivalent plane grating is observed. The proposed improvement can be applied to the study of any ruled surface.
An equivalence between methods of aging for determining the low-temperature performance of hot-mix asphalt concrete mixtures containing reclaimed asphalt pavement

Abstract Asphalt pavements in cold regions are susceptible to thermal cracking. Current construction practice of adding reclaimed asphalt pavement to virgin materials further deteriorates the low-temperature performance of asphalt concrete. This study concentrates on finding equivalence between short-term aging of loose asphalt mixtures and long-term aging of compacted mixtures by following the AASHTO TP125-16. Asphalt mixtures made from two Superpave® mix designs, four different Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) contents and six different aging periods at two different temperatures were analyzed in this study. RAP and Aging Indices were proposed to demonstrate the combined change in the performance of asphalt mixtures due to the addition of RAP and aging. It was found that four hours of additional loose-mixture-aging at 135 °C yields low-temperature performances similar to five days of compact-mixture-aging at 80 °C. Results found from this study contribute to the benefits of Bending Beam Rheometer as a potential quality control tool for low-temperature performance during construction.
Origin of negative temperatures in systems interacting with external fields

Abstract The controversial existence of negative temperatures has stirred interesting debates that have reached the foundations of thermodynamics, including questions on the second law, the Carnot efficiency and the statistical definition of entropy. Here we show that for systems interacting with an external field, negative temperatures may arise when the interaction energy with the field is treated as a form of internal energy. We discuss how negative temperatures are avoided when using a thermodynamic formalism that accounts for the intensive and extensive variables associated to the external field. We use the paramagnetic system and a perfect gas in a gravitational field to illustrate these ideas. Considerations about the isothermal and adiabatic work done by the field or the system also shed light on the inconsistency of super-Carnot efficiencies.
Analysis of Open Payments Receipts Among Surgical Faculty at a Large Academic Institution.

Background Section 6002 of the Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as "The Sunshine Act," is legislation designed to provide transparency to the relationship between physicians and industry. Since 2013, medical product and pharmaceutical manufacturers were required to report any payments made to physicians to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). We predicted that most clinical faculty at our institution would be found on the Open Payments website. We elected to investigate payments in relationship to divisions within the department of surgery and the level of professorship. Methods All clinical faculty (n = 86) within the department of surgery at our institution were searched within the database: https://openpaymentsdata.cms.gov/. The total amount of payments, number of payments, and the nature of payments (food and beverage, travel and lodging, consulting, education, speaking, entertainment, gifts and honoraria) were recorded for 2017. Comparison by unpaired t-test (or ANOVA) where applicable, significance defined as P Results Of the 86 faculty studied, 75% were found within the CMS Open Payments database in 2017. The mean amount of payment was $4024 (range $13-152,215). Median amount of payment was $434.90 (range $12.75-152,214.70). Faculty receiving outside compensation varied significantly by division and academic rank (P Conclusions Reporting of open payments to CMS provides transparency between physicians and industry. The significant relationship of division and rank with open payments database is driven by relatively few faculty. The majority (94%) received either no payments or less than $10,000.
Highly Efficient Ka-band (33 GHz - 36 GHz) GaN MMIC Power Amplifier with >58.5% PAE

We report the development of high efficiency Ka-band (33 GHz – 36 GHz) MMIC amplifiers in a highly scaled 40nm HRL’s T4A GaN MMIC process. The reported two stage power amplifiers have peak power added efficiency (PAE) of 58.5% with associated gain of 11.9 dB and associated output power of 24.4 dBm measured at a frequency of 34 GHz in continuous wave (CW) mode. The exceptionally high efficiency of reported MMICs is a result of outstanding device characteristics of highly scaled GaN HEMTs.
The case for environmentally-informed occupational therapy: Clinical and educational applications to promote personal wellness, public health and environmental sustainability

Research shows that personal and public health are intrinsically intertwined with ecological conditions and that actions that promote environmental sustainability are good prescriptions for health ...
Concepts for 20/30 GHz satcom systems for direct-to-user applications

A baseline technique is described for implementing a direct-to-user (DTU) satcom communications system at 20/30 GHz transmission frequency. The purpose of this application is to utilize the high capacity frequency spectrum at K(A) band for communications among thousands of small terminals located at or close to a customer's facility. The baseline DTU system utilizes a TDMA method of communications with QPSK modulation. Twenty-five coverage beams from a geosynchronous orbit spacecraft provide full coverage of CONUS. Low cost terminals are limited to less than 4.5 meters diameter. The impact of rain attenuation on communications availability is examined. Other techniques including satellite switched antenna beams are outlined and critical K(A)-band technology developments are identified.
HIPPO signaling provides a fail-safe for resolving embryonic cell fate conflicts during establishment of pluripotency in vivo

In mammals, the first few days of development entail segregation of pluripotent and extraembryonic trophectoderm cells. The challenge for the embryo at this time is to override cell plasticity to ensure that cells adopt distinct fates. Here, we identify novel mechanisms restricting expression of Sox2 and Cdx2 to mutually exclusive domains. We show that Sox2 is repressed in the trophectoderm downstream of ROCK1/2 and HIPPO pathway LATS1/2 kinases. LATS1/2 kinases are thought to antagonize YAP1 and WWTR1, the transcriptional partners of TEAD4. However, the combined loss of Yap1; Wwtr1 has not been reported. Using female germ line deletion and null alleles, we show that YAP1/WWTR1/TEAD4 simultaneously antagonize Sox2 and promote Cdx2 expression in trophectoderm. However, Cdx2 is less sensitive to Yap1 and Wwtr1 dosage, which can lead cells to aberrantly coexpress CDX2 and SOX2, reminiscent of conflicted cell fate. We show that HIPPO resolves cell fate conflicts by elevating Sox2 expression and driving cells to the inner cell mass, but Sox2 is not required for HIPPO-mediated cell repositioning. Rather, HIPPO signaling represses cell polarity components PAR and aPKC, facilitating cell internalization upstream of Sox2. We propose that HIPPO engages in negative feedback and PAR-aPKC providing a fail-safe to ensure lineage segregation.
Genome sequencing and functional characterization of Xanthomonas cucurbitae, the causal agent of bacterial spot disease of cucurbits

Bacterial leaf spot disease caused by X. cucurbitae has severely affected the pumpkin industries in the Midwestern region of United States, with the bacteria mainly infecting pumpkin leaves and fruits, and leading to significant yield losses. In this study, we utilized genomics and genetics approaches to elucidate Xanthomonas cucurbitae molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis during interaction with its host. We generated the first reference-quality whole-genome sequence of the X. cucurbitae type isolate and compared to other Xanthomonas species, X. cucurbitae has a smaller genome size with fewer virulence-related genes. RNA-seq analysis of X. cucurbitae under plant-mimicking media conditions showed altered transcriptional responses, with upregulation of virulence genes and downregulation of cellular homeostasis genes. Additionally, characterization of key virulence genes using gene deletion methods revealed that both type II enzymes and type III effectors are necessary for X. cucurbitae to cause infection in the pumpkin host.
A protein-enabled protective film with functions of self-adapting and anion-anchoring for stabilizing lithium-metal batteries

Abstract Practical implementations of rechargeable lithium (Li) metal batteries have long been plagued by multiple problems of Li anode, such as Li dendrite growth, large volume change, low Coulombic efficiency. Here, we report a protein-enabled film that can provide effective protection for Li metal. The protective film with an integrated design of high flexibility, strong adhesion and high Li-ion transference number (0.80) is fabricated by incorporating denatured zein (corn protein) with polyethylene oxide (PEO) acting as an agent for sustaining the denatured protein chains against refolding via the intermolecular interactions between them. Thus, a conformable zein-enabled protective film (zein@PEO) with simultaneous enhancement in flexibility, modulus and adhesion strength is generated to offer both functions of self-adapting and anion-anchoring abilities. The results show that the zein@PEO film is able to accommodate the volume change, reduce the side reactions, and homogenize the ion deposition. Benefiting from these significant properties/functions, the Li/Cu cell with the zein@PEO film delivers prolonged cycle life for over 500 hours with stable performance. Paired with LiMn2O4 cathode, the capacity, cycle stability and rate performance of the cell are remarkably improved as well, demonstrating the effectiveness in stabilizing Li metal batteries.
Navigating Precarity: Disruption and Decline at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Since 2017, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PG) has faced multiple disruptions, including a bitter labor conflict and various public controversies, that have threatened the credibility of this long-st...
Characterization of chronic overlapping pain conditions in patients with chronic migraine: A CHOIR study.

OBJECTIVE Chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) represent a co-aggregation of widespread pain disorders. We characterized differences in physical and psychosocial functioning in patients with chronic migraine (CM) and those with CM and COPCs. BACKGROUND Patients with CM and COPCs have been identified as a distinct subgroup of patients with CM, and these patients may be vulnerable to greater symptom severity and burden. METHODS Data were extracted from Collaborative Health Outcomes Information Registry (an open-source learning health-care system), completed at the patients' first visit at a large tertiary care pain management center and electronic medical records. In 1601 patients with CM, the number of non-cephalic areas of pain endorsed on a body map was used to examine the differences in pain, physical and psychosocial function, adverse life experience, and health-care utilization. RESULTS Patients endorsing more body map regions reported significantly worse symptoms and function across all domains. Scored on a t-score metric (mean = 50, SD = 10), endorsement of one additional body map region corresponded with a 0.69-point increase in pain interference (95% CI = 0.55, 0.82; p < 0.001; Cohen's f = 0.328), 1.15-point increase in fatigue (95% CI = 0.97, 1.32; p < 0.001; Cohen's f = 0.432), and 1.21-point decrease in physical function (95% CI = -1.39, -1.03; p < 0.001; Cohen's f = 0.560). Patients with more widespread pain reported approximately 5% more physician visits (95% CI = 0.03, 0.07; p < 0.001), and patients reporting adverse life events prior to age 17 endorsed 22% more body map regions (95% CI = 0.11, 0.32; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Patients with CM and other overlapping pain conditions as noted on the body map report significantly worse pain-related physical function, psychosocial functioning, increased health-care utilization, and greater association with adverse life experiences, compared with those with localized CM. This study provides further evidence that patients with CM and co-occurring pain conditions are a distinct subgroup of CM and can be easily identified through patient-reported outcome measures.
Ambiguous Artificiality: The Presentation and Perception of Viscose Fibres and Fabrics in Norway in the 1930s

Viscose was a novelty in the 1930s. The textile industry quickly adopted the fibres, and viscose clothing and interior textiles became the highest fashion. This happened at the same time throughout the industrialised world, even in small countries like Norway, which depended on transnational imports of both raw materials and fashion trends. This chapter explores how the Norwegian textile industry put the new fibres into use and how they were received by consumers. It is based on the comprehensive archives of one of Norway’s most important textile factories and relies also on a close reading of weekly magazines and newspapers to provide an understanding of how the new fibres were presented and received.
Psychotherapeutic Issues with Family Members of Persons with Physical Disabilities

Individual psychotherapy for family members of persons with physical disabilities due to associated distress is discussed. Characteristics of the psychological difficulties that need to be addresse...
Auditory Processing Inspired Robust Feature Enhancement for Speech Recognition

The performance of Mel-frequency cepstrum based automatic speech recognition system significantly degrade in noisy environments. In this article, the feasibility of utilizing the bio-inspired auditory features to improve noise robustness is investigated. The features are based on auditory characteristics, which include gammatone filtering and modulation spectral processing to emulate the mechanisms performed in the cochlea and middle ear aimed to improve robustness in human ear. The robust noise resistant features that emulate cochlea frequency resolution are extracted by gammatone filtering. And then a long-term modulation spectral processing, which preserves speech intelligibility in the signal is performed. Compared and discussed are the features based on the performance on Aurora5 database, comprising the meeting recorder digit task recorded with four different microphones in a hands-free mode at a real meeting room and living room and office room simulated data corrupted with different levels of additive noises. The performance of these features is also investigated for CHiME challenge, aiming at speech separation and recognition in noise background that has been collected from a real family room using binaural microphones. The experimental results show that the proposed features provide considerable improvement with respect to the standard feature extraction techniques for both the versions of the database.
Variability of the Fenton reaction characteristics of the EDTA, DTPA, and citrate complexes of iron

The common metal chelation agents, DTPA and EDTA are often used as models for physiological low-molecular weight iron complexes in biochemical studies, or for common biochemical protocols. In the biochemical literature there are apparent conflicts as to whether EDTA and DTPA are pro-oxidant or antioxidant additives. This apparent conflict is puzzling since in chemical systems FeIIEDTA and FeIIDTPA are well known Fenton reaction reagents. In this investigation we examined the voltammetric characteristics of the iron complexes of EDTA, DTPA, and citrate and the effect of the ligand:metal ratio (L:M) on the electrocatalytic (EC') waves that result from reduction of H2O2 by this complex. At a ratio of 1:1, the cyclic voltammetric waves of the complexes indicate the presence of a reversible species corresponding to the Fe(II/III)L couple, along with a second irreversible reduction peak. The second irreversible voltammetric peak decreases at higher L:M ratios for EDTA and citrate. The 1:1 iron complexes of EDTA, DTPA, and citrate clearly induce the catalytic reduction of H2O2. In the presence of a greater than 100 fold excess of H2O2 relative to iron, higher L:M ratios greatly reduced the catalytic EC' wave compared to the 1:1 ratios. At H2O2:Fe ratios less than 50, the L:M ratio has very little effect of the EC' current. These observations may explain the apparent discrepancies in the biochemical literature. Addition of EDTA or DTPA may enhance oxidative processes if the L:M is low (less than unity), whereas rates of on-going oxidative processes may decrease if that ratio, along with the relative amount of H2O2, are both high (excess ligand). The impact of this study is of particular importance given the widespread use of these ligands in biochemical studies.
Upgrading Embedded Software in the Field: Dependability and Survivability

The new millennium heralds the convergence between computing, communication and the intelligent control of our physical environments. Computers embedded in roads, bridges, buildings and vehicles tend to have a long life cycle. Application needs will change and computing, communication and control technologies willevolve rapidly. To keep systems modern, we need technologies to dependably and securely upgrade embedded software in the field. This paper provides a review of our work on how to upgrade embedded control systems without shutting them down, and how to protect the system from bugs and attacks that could be introduced by software upgrades.
Application Development Employing Web Services: Understanding Costs and Risks

Web services are developing as an important alternative to traditional sources of application development. Web services in its envisioned state will permit firms to purchase best of breed web services and integrate these web services over the Internet into a single application based on an agreed upon level of standards. This new development method mimics how manufacturers have traditionally assembled products through standardized externally sourced components. Although web services promise benefits to the application development process a number of risks and costs exist that must be identified and addressed before implementation. Drawing on the software life cycle control model, this research proposes a framework to identify the salient costs and risks involved in the web services decision. This research may provide early insights for potential web service adopter firms and providers.
Point-of-care blood glucose measurement errors overestimate hypoglycaemia rates in critically ill patients.

Background Hypoglycaemia is associated with morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients, and many hospitals have programmes to minimize hypoglycaemia rates. Recent studies have established the hypoglycaemic patient-day as a key metric and have published benchmark inpatient hypoglycaemia rates on the basis of point-of-care blood glucose data even though these values are prone to measurement errors. Methods A retrospective, cohort study including all patients admitted to Harborview Medical Center Intensive Care Units (ICUs) during 2010 and 2011 was conducted to evaluate a quality improvement programme to reduce inappropriate documentation of point-of-care blood glucose measurement errors. Laboratory Medicine point-of-care blood glucose data and patient charts were reviewed to evaluate all episodes of hypoglycaemia. Results A quality improvement intervention decreased measurement errors from 31% of hypoglycaemic (<70 mg/dL) patient-days in 2010 to 14% in 2011 (p < 0.001) and decreased the observed hypoglycaemia rate from 4.3% of ICU patient-days to 3.4% (p < 0.001). Hypoglycaemic events were frequently recurrent or prolonged (~40%), and these events are not identified by the hypoglycaemic patient-day metric, which also may be confounded by a large number of very low risk or minimally monitored patient-days. Conclusions Documentation of point-of-care blood glucose measurement errors likely overestimates ICU hypoglycaemia rates and can be reduced by a quality improvement effort. The currently used hypoglycaemic patient-day metric does not evaluate recurrent or prolonged events that may be more likely to cause patient harm. The monitored patient-day as currently defined may not be the optimal denominator to determine inpatient hypoglycaemic risk. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effect of Peer and Adult-Child Transactive Discussions on Moral Reasoning

Piaget (1932) hypothesized that children's interactions with peers during middle childhood are essential to their moral reasoning development. To test this hypothesis, 48 female focal subjects (M age=8.6 years) were paired with either a female agemate or their mother. All focal subjects were pretested and posttested for moral reasoning abilities. In the intervention, the adult-child and peer dyads engaged in consensus-seeking discussions of two moral dilemmas. Focal subjects' moral reasoning at pretest and posttest and their use of reasoning (transacts) in the intervention discussions were measured
Cellulase activity on decomposing leaf litter in microcosms.

In this paper, we describe cellulase and cellobiose dehydrogenase (CBDH) dynamics in relation to incubation time, mass loss and chemical composition of decomposing deciduous leaf litter. Cellulose disappearance from litter coincided with periods of maximum cellulase activity. CBDH activity peaked later in decomposition after cellulase activity had declined. Enzyme activity patterns differed among litter types when expressed on the basis of decomposition time or cumulative mass loss. The patterns converged when expressed on the basis of chemical composition as indexed by the fraction of cellulose in the lignocellulose complex. We present a three-stage model of decomposition based on temporal changes in cellulase activities and coincident changes in litter chemical composition.
MID-FACIAL CONTOUR IN PATIENTS WITH CLEFT LIP AND CLEFT PALATE

Ninety-nine cases of cleft palate were studied with conventional and soft tissue cephalometric roentgenograms. The Type III cases (clefts of the entire palate, alveolar ridge and lip) were studied in detail and statistically evaluated. No gross differences were seen in bony growth of the postoperative and unoperated cases of cleft palate of this group. In the postoperative cases of cleft palate, where the lips had been repaired at an average age of 3 months, there was a significant lingual version of the incisor teeth, posterior displacement of the upper lip, and exaggerated fullness of the lower lip. This was not seen in the unoperated cases of cleft palate, where the lips were closed at an average age of 2 years. These contoural abnormalities are believed to be related to a tight, early, lip closure and not to the effects of palatal surgery. In general, facial contoural abnormalities in cases of cleft lip and cleft palate after conventional surgery are believed to be more the direct result of a tight lip following unsatisfactory surgical repair, resulting in a collapse of the supporting incisor teeth, than the result of interference with maxillary growth centers by palatal surgery. It is believed that surgical techniques developed in recent years will be most effective in helping to eliminate such results. In view of the foregoing, it would appear that conventional palatal surgery can be carried out before the end of the second year of life without detriment to the facial contour, and with maximal opportunity for the development of good speech. It is most important to effect a loose lip-closure to obtain a more normal facial contour.
Review of The Science of Gluten-Free Foods and Beverages: Proceedings of the First International Conference of Gluten-Free Cereal Products and Beverages

This book addresses a current subject of extreme significance. The Science of Gluten-Free Foods and Beverages could be subtitled “Celiac Disease: Dietary Guidelines.” Celiac Disease (CD), triggered...
Evidence for an angiotensin-(1-7) neuropeptidase expressed in the brain medulla and CSF of sheep.

Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] is an alternative product of the brain renin-angiotensin system that exhibits central actions to lower blood pressure and improve baroreflex sensitivity. We previously identified a peptidase that metabolizes Ang-(1-7) to the inactive metabolite product Ang-(1-4) in CSF of adult sheep. This study purified the peptidase 1445-fold from sheep brain medulla and characterized this activity. The peptidase was sensitive to the chelating agents o-phenanthroline and EDTA, as well as the mercury compound p-chloromercuribenzoic acid (PCMB). Selective inhibitors to angiotensin-converting enzyme, neprilysin, neurolysin, and thimet oligopeptidase did not attenuate activity; however, the metallopeptidase agent JMV-390 was a potent inhibitor of Ang-(1-7) hydrolysis (Ki = 0.8 nM). Kinetic studies using 125I-labeled Ang-(1-7), Ang II, and Ang I revealed comparable apparent Km values (2.6, 2.8, and 4.3 μM, respectively), but a higher apparent Vmax for Ang-(1-7) (72 vs. 30 and 6 nmol/min/mg, respectively; p < 0.01). HPLC analysis of the activity confirmed the processing of unlabeled Ang-(1-7) to Ang-(1-4) by the peptidase, but revealed < 5% hydrolysis of Ang II or Ang I, and no hydrolysis of neurotensin, bradykinin or apelin-13. The unique characteristics of the purified neuropeptidase may portend a novel pathway to influence actions of Ang-(1-7) within the brain. Angiotensin-(1-7) actions are mediated by the AT7/Mas receptor and include reduced blood pressure, decreased oxidative stress, enhanced baroreflex sensitivity, and increased nitric oxide (NO). Ang-(1-7) is directly formed from Ang I by neprilysin (NEP). We identify a new pathway for Ang-(1-7) metabolism in the brain distinct from angiotensin-converting enzyme-dependent hydrolysis. The Ang-(1-7) endopeptidase (A7-EP) degrades the peptide to Ang-(1-4) and may influence central Ang-(1-7) tone.
Exogenous fatty acids modulate the functional and cytotoxic responses of cultured pulmonary artery endothelial cells to oxidant stress

Abstract We previously reported that supplementation with exogenous fatty acids modulated the susceptibility of cultured pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAEC) to oxidant-mediated cytotoxicity. The current study investigates the effects of fatty acids with increasing degrees of unsaturation on oxidant-mediated dysfunction and cytotoxicity in cultured porcine pulmonary artery and aortic endothelial cells (AEC). Monolayers supplemented with 0.1 mmol/L oleic (18:1), linoleic (18:2), or γ-linolenic (18:3) acids were exposed to oxidant stress (100 μmol/L hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)) or to control conditions for 30 minutes. Gas chromatographic analysis of the PAEC fatty acids confirmed incorporation of supplemental fatty acids into PAEC lipids. Cytotoxicity, measured as the release of intracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and PAEC monolayer barrier function, assessed by measuring the monolayer clearance of Evans blue dye bound to albumin, were determined for 1 to 3 hours after oxidant stress. The PAEC and AEC demonstrated comparable responses to H2O2. Hydrogen peroxide caused increases in monolayer permeability and detachment of cells from the monolayer that were most attenuated by supplementation with 18:2 or 18:3, and to a lesser degree with 18:1. In contrast, H2O2-mediated LDH release was attenuated by supplementation with 18:1, whereas 18:2 and 18:3 potentiated cytotoxicity after exposure to H2O2. These results indicate that the relationship between PAEC lipid composition and oxidant susceptibility is complex and that the extent of fatty acid unsaturation does not predict the functional or cytotoxic responses of PAEC to oxidant stress. Furthermore, these results suggest that functional derangements may not correlate with traditional assays of cytotoxicity induced by oxidant injury in cultured endothelium.
MODELING GROSS PRIMARY PRODUCTION OF AN EVERGREEN NEEDLELEAF FOREST USING MODIS AND CLIMATE DATA

Forest canopies are composed of photosynthetically active vegetation (PAV, chloroplasts) and nonphotosynthetic vegetation (NPV, e.g., cell wall, vein, branch). The fraction of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) absorbed by the canopy (FAPAR) should be partitioned into FAPARPAV and FAPARNPV. Gross primary production (GPP) of forests is affected by FAPARPAV. In this study we developed and validated a satellite-based vegetation photosynthesis model (VPM; GPP = eg X FAPAPPAV X PAR) that incorporates improved vegetation indices derived from the moderate resolution imaging spectroradimeter (MODIS) sensor. Site-specific data from the CO2 flux tower site (evergreen needleleaf forest) at Howland, Maine, USA, were used. The enhanced vegetation index (EVI) better correlated with the seasonal dynamics of GPP than did the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Simulations of the VPM model were conducted, using both daily and eight-day composites of MODIS images (500-m spatial resolution) and climate data (air temperature and PAR), respectively. Predicted GPP values in 2001 agree reasonably well with estimated GPP from the CO2 flux tower site. There were no significant differences in VPM-predicted GPP (from eight-day MODIS composites) among one pixel (~500-m resolution), 3 X 3 pixel block (~ 1.5-km resolution), and 5 X 5 pixel block (~ 2.5-km resolution). The differences between VPM-predicted and observed GPP were smaller for simulations using eight-day MODIS composites than for simulations using daily MODIS images. The results of this study have shown the potential of MODIS data (both daily and eight-day composites) and the VPM model for quantifying seasonal and interannual variations of GPP of evergreen needleleaf forests.
Factors influencing nitrate within a low-gradient agricultural stream

In low-gradient agricultural streams, the proportion of land use devoted to agriculture, the sinuosity of the stream and the time of year influence the concentration of nitrate in the stream waters. Land use influences the source of nitrate and also the morphology of the stream. Greater agricultural land use weakly correlated (r = 0.67) to higher nitrate concentrations. Streams in agricultural areas have been straightened, which decreases the sinuosity. As a stream meanders and becomes more sinuous, the potential for lateral hyporheic flow increases, which can enhance a stream system’s ability to remove nitrate. Logically, higher sinuous streams should remove more nitrate and likely sulfate as there is a greater potential for lateral hyporheic flows. To test this hypothesis, nitrate and sulfate were monitored. Mass fluxes of nitrate along six stream segments with varying sinuosity values were calculated and statistically analyzed to assess if differences in mass fluxes along the segments existed. Along the segments, there are statistically significant differences in the mass fluxes of nitrate [F(5,174) = 4.777; p = 0.001]. Stream segments with higher sinuosity index values exhibited a loss or lower gain in nitrate and sulfate than lower sinuosity index segments. The data suggest that stream segments with high sinuosity indices provide greater stream distance and increased hyporheic interaction within the streambed. Additionally, the more sinuous segments provide for an increase in lateral hyporheic flow beneath meander lobes. These additional hyporheic flows lead to enhanced denitrification in low-gradient agricultural streams. Seasonal differences were also noted. August through October experienced the lower nitrate concentrations as compared to June and July which exhibited the highest nitrate concentrations.
"Ally McBeal vs. Arnold Schwarzenegger": Comparing mass media, interpersonal feedback and gender as predictors of satisfaction with body thinness and muscularity

Susceptibility to appearance-related mass media, interpersonal feedback, and instrumentality were compared as predictors of body satisfaction and shape concerns regarding thinness and muscularity in a sample of 287 undergraduate men and women. Results indicate that both genders experience body dissatisfaction, but along different shape dimensions; susceptibility to appearance-related mass media and negative appearance-related feedback appear to operate in similar ways to affect men’s and women’s overall body satisfaction.
Spatial and Temporal Variations of Water Quality in the Han River and Its Tributaries, Seoul, Korea, 1993–2002

Spatial and temporal variations of eight selected water quality measurements were examined for the 26 stations located in the Han River and its tributaries within the city of Seoul from 1993 to 2002. The eight measurements are water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, suspended solid, total nitrogen and total phosphorus. There is no discernable increase or decrease in water quality measurements in four representative stations. A striking longitudinal variation of all water quality measurements is detected for eight stations along the Han River. Water quality dramatically decline in the middle section of the Han River where the river receives inputs from polluted tributaries. All water quality measurements, except pH, exhibit better conditions in the main river group than its counterpart tributary group. The 26 stations can be grouped into three main clusters; (1) the main river and its tributaries that have relatively good water quality, (2) the tributaries that have medium water quality, and (3) the tributaries nearby industrial sites that are heavily polluted.
Warning: The Surgeon General's Research Program May Be Dangerous to Preconceived Notions.

The complex problem of discovering effective procedures for translating social science research into social policy and social action is examined through the history of the surgeon general's research program on television and social behavior, a case study for understanding the relationship between social science research and social policy. Recent history makes clear that a committee of stature providing a report of significance does not ensure social change, verbal warnings do not, laws mandating change do not. Nevertheless there are indications that the surgeon general's research program was effective in alerting the target audience and in affecting some change in programming trends. The rather curious way in which controversy and accusations of committee bias interacted to yield a positive impact is discussed. Finally, recommendations made to the senate subcommittee by the author as vice-chairman of the surgeon general's advisory committee are cited. Language: en
Hammett 13C NMR and X-ray studies of π-allylpalladium phosphinooxazoline chiral ligand complexes

Abstract The transmission of substituent effects across the palladium center to the allyl carbons is monitored by 13 C NMR and X-ray crystallography as a way to probe electronic asymmetry in chiral ligand design. Based on their similar chemical shift trends and X-ray structures, the π-allylpalladium intermediates provide a good model for early transition state reactions, which are less sensitive to electronic perturbations. Hammett analysis supports an electronic basis for enantioselection that increases as the transition state becomes later.
Joinfostering: Adapting Teaching Strategies for the Multilingual Classroom

to gauge. However, if one goes by the content, the book has met its aim to pedagogically provoke the reader. Perhaps expecting anything more from a single book "not intended to be a book of answers ... but . .. of explorations" (p. xviii) is unwarranted. Designed in self-instructional patterns, the book's refreshingly nontechnical approach distinguishes it from the rest in the field. Each chapter ends with Discussion Starters, Practical Activities, and Suggestions for Further Reading. The book, further, is replete with developmental questions. Most of the subtitles are presented in this form. Simple language and the conversational style of presentation, particularly the use of personal pronouns, merit a mention here. And the appendixes and bibliography provide useful information for teachers. The book is well written and packed with practical suggestions for teachers. However, as the authors agree, there is a "need for developing further our rather embryonic classroom research" (p. 149) and a "need for more replication studies to make more confident claims" (p. 183), the research field being "still really in its infancy" (p. 2). Possession of this book is imperative for any teacher in preparation, inservice teacher, and teacher educator.
Evaluation of VA Women’s Health Fellowships: Developing Leaders in Academic Women’s Health

BACKGROUND The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) instituted the VA Women’s Health Fellowship (VAWHF) Program in 1994, to accommodate the health needs of increasing numbers of female veterans and to develop academic leaders in women’s health. Despite the longevity of the program, it has never been formally evaluated.
Function-based computing and parallelism: A review

Abstract One of today's most popular computing folktheorems states that true parallel processing and conventional computing techniques are mutually incompatible. The term Von Neumann bottleneck summarizes what many feel are the basic stumbling blocks preventing the successful application of parallelism in day-to-day computing. This paper reviews an alternative approach, based on function-based computing, that to a large degree eliminates or avoids much of the Von Neumann bottleneck, and offers opportunities for the exploitation of parallelism in ways not even conceivable in classical computing. Topics covered include a review of the Von Neumann bottleneck and imperative languages, the mathematical foundation of functional computing, namely lambda calculus, how this foundation provides opportunities for parallelism, and characteristics of the design space for implementation of these concepts in real computing hardware.
Economics and the design of open systems

The implications of system modularity are particularly important for distributed systems operated by multiple profit-seeking commercial providers. In systems such as the Internet, modularity and interfaces shape not only technical design but also the very structure of the industry. System designers thus need to consider the industry structure that their modularity induces.
Estimation of hydroxyl radical concentrations in the marine atmospheric boundary layer using a reactive atmospheric tracer

Hydroxyl radical (OH) concentrations in the atmospheric boundary layer over a number of remote ocean locations are calculated from the measured diurnal variation in atmospheric dimethylsulfide (DMS). By using averaged DMS data sets from extended periods, the calculation yields OH concentrations averaged over periods from several days to weeks. These average OH concentrations range from 7×105 to 2.9×106 molecules cm-3, corresponding to midday maxima of 3 to 12×106 molecules cm-3. The lowest values correspond to studies with the lowest light intensity (Antarctic summer and South Atlantic winter), and the highest values to regions with probable anthropogenic influence. In addition to the long term averages, daily average OH levels can be calculated for most days in a two week period from a cruise in the tropical eastern Pacific. These calculations are in good argeement with global average OH levels derived from other tracers, and are consistent with model OH calculations when allowance is made for variation in ambient ozone levels between the studies. Estimates of gas exchange made from the diurnal variation of DMS suggest that either the gas exchange coefficient of DMS or the boundary layer mixing depth may have been overestimated in past analyses.
Regeneration of Douglas Fir Plantlets Through Tissue Culture

Douglas fir plantlets were produced in tissue culture under defined conditions from cotyledon explants obtained from 2- to 4-week-old seedlings. Tissue pieces were cultured on the surface of a fabric tissue support (100 percent polyester) saturated with liquid nutrient medium; this facilitated periodic changes of the medium to meet the requirements at successive developmental stages without transfer of cultured tissues. Plant growth regulators were needed to stimulate adventitious bud formation. Plantlets were regenerated by rooting excised shoots at 19°C on agarsolidified medium containing sucrose and the auxin naphthalene-2-acetic acid. After root initiation, plant growth regulators were removed; this resulted in stimulation of root elongation and the subsequent development of plantlets, which were then established in soil.
Matrix metalloproteinase-2 in the development of diabetic retinopathy and mitochondrial dysfunction

In the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, retinal mitochondria become dysfunctional resulting in accelerated apoptosis of its capillary cells. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) is considered critical in cell integrity and cell survival, and diabetes activates MMP2 in the retina and its capillary cells. This study aims at elucidating the mechanism by which MMP2 contributes to the development of diabetic retinopathy. Using isolated bovine retinal endothelial cells, the effect of regulation of MMP2 (by its siRNA and pharmacological inhibitor) on superoxide accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction was evaluated. The effect of inhibiting diabetes-induced retinal superoxide accumulation on MMP2 and its regulators was investigated in diabetic mice overexpressing mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Inhibition of MMP2 ameliorated glucose-induced increase in mitochondrial superoxide and membrane permeability, prevented cytochrome c leakage from the mitochondria, and inhibited capillary cell apoptosis. Overexpression of MnSOD protected the retina from diabetes-induced increase in MMP2 and its membrane activator (MT1-MMP), and decrease in its tissue inhibitor (TIMP-2). These results implicate that, in diabetes, MMP2 activates apoptosis of retinal capillary cells by mitochondrial dysfunction increasing their membrane permeability. Understanding the role of MMP2 in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy should help lay ground for MMP2-targeted therapy to retard the development of retinopathy in diabetic patients.
Optical Properties of Zn0.46Cd0.54Se/Zn0.24Cd0.25Mg0.51Se Multiple Quantum Wells for Infrared Photodetector Applications

Recently, lattice-matched Zn0.46Cd0.54Se/ZnCdMgSe multiple-quantum-wells (MQWs) have been recognized as very promising materials to fabricate intersubband (ISB) devices such as quantum cascade lasers and mid-infrared photoconductors. These structures have important applications in biological and chemical detections. The ISB transition covers a wide mid-infrared wavelength range from 1.3 µm to a few tens of µm. In this work, two heavily doped n-Zn0.46Cd0.54Se/Zn0.24Cd0.25Mg0.51Se MQW structures have been grown on InP (001) substrate by molecular beam epitaxy. Temperature dependent steady-state photoluminescence (SSPL), temperature dependent time- resolved photoluminescence (TRPL), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed to characterize their interband and ISB properties. These two MQW samples have similar structures except different well widths and different number of periods. The integrated SSPL intensities and the PL decay times of the MQWs were measured as functions of temperature in the range from 77 K to 290 K. The luminescence efficiency of the sample with 28 A well width is larger than that of the sample with 42 A well width although both samples exhibit similar temperature dependence of PL intensity. Time-resolved PL measurements show that the PL decay times of both samples decrease with increasing temperature. From 77 K to 290 K, the decay time of the sample with 28 A well width is in the range of 440 ps ~ 120 ps and is much longer than that of the sample with 42 A well width, which is in the range of 65 ps ~ 25 ps. Strong non-radiative recombinations dominate the luminescence behavior of the wider MQWs. Intersubband absorption spectra of the samples were measured by FTIR and show peak absorption at wavelengths of 3.99 µm and 5.35 µm for the MQWs with well widths of 28 A and 42 A, respectively, falling within the 3–5 µm range, which is of great interest for the infrared photodetector applications.
A novel CFD/structural analysis of a cross parachute

A novel CFD/structural analysis was performed to predict functionality of a cross parachute under loadings near the structural limits of the parachute. The determination of parachute functionality was based on the computed structural integrity of the canopy and suspension lines. In addition to the standard aerodynamic pressure loading on the canopy, the structural analysis considered the reduction in fabric strength due to the computed aerodynamic heating. The intent was to illustrate the feasibility of such an analysis with the commercially available software PATRAN.
Structure and Dynamics of Water on Aqueous Barium Ion and the {001} Barite Surface

The structure of water and its dynamics affect a number of fundamental properties of an interface. Yet, these properties are often inaccessible experimentally and computational studies including solvent are comparatively few. Here, we estimate the structure and kinetics of water exchange of aqueous barium ions and barium ions within the {001} barite surface using molecular dynamics and the reactive flux method. For the aqueous ion, the Ba−O distance to water in the first hydration shell was found to be 280 pm with a coordination number of 8.3, and the best estimate of the exchange rate constant is 4.8 × 109 s-1, closely matching experimental estimates. For the barite surface, the first shell water distance was 282 pm, with a coordination number of 0.9 and the best estimate of the rate constant for exchange is 1.7 × 1010 s-1, 3.5 times faster than that of the aqueous ion.